US Department of Energy employee arrested for trying to support Houthis

U.S. Department of Energy official Ashton Hamed Ellaboudi was arrested this morning on charges of attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis, designated a foreign terrorist organization. Ashton Hamed Ellaboudi, 51, of Richland, Washington, was arrested this morning on charges of attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis, designated a foreign terrorist organization, the department said in a press release.

According to the department, the accused came to the attention of law enforcement agencies after a trip to the Middle East, which he registered as sick leave at his place of work. The case file notes that the suspect purchased components for drones and improvised explosive devices, and also intended to transfer his professional engineering skills to the Houthis in Yemen.

The first hearing on the selection of a preventive measure is scheduled for Friday in federal court in Richland.

If convicted, Ellaboodi faces up to 20 years in prison.