Energy Department Employee Charged with Attempting to Support Houthis
An employee for the Department of Energy was charged with allegedly attempting to provide material support or resources to the Houthis, the Department of Justice announced on Thursday.
TL;DR
- Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, a Department of Energy employee, is accused of supporting the Houthis.
- Charges include acquiring materials for explosives and drones and improving Houthi communications.
- Ellaboudy allegedly traveled to Yemen using an official passport, claiming official business.
- The employee worked at the Energy Department's Hanford, Washington field office.
- This matter did not involve a threat to the Hanford Site or its workforce.
- Ellaboudy was exposed to nitric acid, used in explosives, prior to his arrest.
- He provided guidance to an informant on enhancing Houthi communications equipment.
- If convicted, Ellaboudy could face up to 20 years in prison.