Ashley Tellis, 64, Arrested for Unlawfully Retaining Classified Documents
October 15, 2025
Ashley J. Tellis, a prominent Indian-American scholar and former senior advisor to the U.S. government, has been charged with unlawfully retaining classified government documents, including top-secret files. According to the U.S. Justice Department, Tellis, who served in senior roles under President George W. Bush, faces serious charges after a detailed FBI investigation uncovered that he had stored over 1,000 pages of sensitive documents at his home.
Key Details of the Investigation
Tellis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, was seen accessing and printing classified materials from various U.S. government departments, including the Pentagon and the State Department, in September and October 2025. The FBI’s court affidavit details how Tellis, who held a Top Secret security clearance, was observed printing documents related to U.S. military aircraft capabilities and storing them in filing cabinets and trash bags at his residence.
In one instance, Tellis was seen entering the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) at the Pentagon’s Office of Net Assessment in Virginia, where he printed multiple classified documents, including one marked “Top Secret.” Surveillance footage captured him concealing the documents in notepads, which he later placed into a leather briefcase and left the facility.
The Classified Documents Found at Tellis’ Home
On October 11, 2025, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Tellis’ home in Vienna, Virginia. They discovered over 1,000 pages of classified documents, some marked as “Top Secret” or “Secret,” stored in locked cabinets and in three large black trash bags in his basement. Investigators also found evidence of multiple meetings with Chinese government officials, raising concerns about potential foreign espionage.
Charges and Potential Consequences
Tellis is facing severe federal charges for retaining and mishandling classified defense information. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges are part of an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, which asserts that the actions of Tellis posed a significant risk to U.S. national security.
Background on Ashley Tellis
Ashley Tellis, originally from India, became a naturalized U.S. citizen and has long been recognized for his expertise on India-U.S. relations. He played a key role in the U.S.-India civil nuclear deal during the George W. Bush administration, a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. More recently, Tellis has been known for his critical stance on India’s foreign policies, particularly its relations with Russia and Iran, and its growing geopolitical influence in Asia.
Tellis’ arrest marks a significant development in a case that underscores the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard classified information and national security.
