Ashley J. Tellis, a prominent U.S.-India relations expert and government adviser, was arrested over the weekend and charged with unlawful retention of national defense information. The 64-year-old scholar, who previously served on the National Security Council under former President George W. Bush, is accused of improperly handling classified materials. Tellis’ lawyers, Deborah Curtis and John Nassikas of Arnold & Porter, have stated that he will “vigorously contest” the charges, particularly any claims that he acted on behalf of a foreign adversary.
According to an FBI affidavit, Tellis, who was serving as an unpaid adviser to the State Department and a Pentagon contractor, was observed in September and October accessing and printing classified files at both agencies. Authorities allege that a search of his Virginia home uncovered more than 1,000 pages of documents marked “top secret” and “secret,” many of which contained sensitive information on U.S. military aircraft capabilities. The affidavit also noted that Tellis had attended several meetings with Chinese government officials, including one in September where he allegedly carried a manila envelope that was not seen when he left.
Tellis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation. The Justice Department confirmed that if convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, a former lawyer for Donald Trump, who has drawn scrutiny for pursuing politically charged cases.
Despite the high-profile nature of the allegations, Tellis’ defense insists he has served the United States with integrity throughout his career and intends to clear his name fully.
