Ashley Tellis Arrested: Indian-Origin Pentagon Contractor Charged With Unlawful Retention of Defense Documents
Washington, D.C.:
U.S. authorities have arrested Ashley Tellis, an Indian-born South Asia strategist and Pentagon contractor, for illegally removing and keeping confidential national defense material. He now faces felony charges under 18 U.S. Code 793(e), a law dealing with the mishandling of defense-related documents. Tellis earlier served as an unpaid advisor to the U.S. State Department and worked with the Pentagon on various strategic projects.
FBI Findings and Allegations
An FBI affidavit released on Tuesday accuses Tellis of accessing and removing sensitive material linked to Air Force strategies and techniques. Investigators also discovered that he maintained frequent contact with Chinese officials in recent years. These interactions have raised serious concerns about foreign influence and possible information leaks.
Meetings With Chinese Officials
Court documents show that Tellis met Chinese government representatives several times in Fairfax, Virginia, and other areas near Washington, D.C.
Witnesses said that in April 2023, he attended a private dinner where he discussed artificial intelligence, new technologies, and Iran-China relations. During another meeting, Tellis carried a manila envelope that was missing after he left, raising further suspicion.
Professional Background and Pentagon Overhaul
Tellis has an extensive background with the Office of Net Assessment (ONA) — the Pentagon’s internal think tank responsible for identifying long-term security threats. Earlier this year, the Department of Defense announced a plan to dismantle and restructure the ONA as part of a defense research reform initiative.
Official Charges and Possible Penalties
U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan from the Eastern District of Virginia confirmed the charge of unlawfully retaining national defense information.
“We are fully focused on protecting the American people from all threats, foreign and domestic,” Halligan stated, emphasizing the serious nature of the allegations.
If convicted, Tellis could face up to 10 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and forfeiture of assets. A federal district judge will decide the final sentence based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
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