The U.S. State Department finds itself embroiled in controversy following accusations against one of its employees, Ashley Tellis, who is alleged to have removed classified documents from secure locations and engaged in meetings with Chinese officials, actions reportedly dating back to 2023.

The Justice Department has identified Tellis, who served as an unpaid senior adviser to the State Department, as well as a contractor with the Office of Net Assessment within the Department of Defense, now known as the Department of War. Renowned for his expertise in Indian and South Asian affairs, Tellis played a significant role in shaping strategic assessments at the Office of Net Assessment.

According to court documents, Tellis’s association with the State Department started in 2001. He now faces serious charges concerning the unlawful retention of national defense information, as outlined in a detailed affidavit. These charges underscore the gravity of the alleged security breach.

In his capacity, Tellis was entrusted with top-secret clearance, granting him access to highly sensitive information, a privilege that federal prosecutors highlighted in their court submissions. Alongside his governmental duties, Tellis also held a position as a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, further emphasizing his influential presence in international relations circles.

An image captures Ashley Tellis during a moment in March 2014, as he stands in Mumbai, India, affiliated with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. This photograph, taken by Abhijit Bhatlekar, serves as a reminder of his extensive career and the networks he navigated.

During a search of his Vienna, Va., home, authorities found more than a thousand pages of documents marked “TOP SECRET” and “SECRET,” according to court documents.

On Sept. 12, Tellis had a coworker at a government facility print multiple classified documents for him, authorities said.

On Sept. 25, he allegedly printed U.S. Air Force documents concerning military aircraft capabilities. Federal prosecutors allege that he met with Chinese government officials multiple times over the past several years.

Ashley Tellis, senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, speaks during a panel discussion on India’s relationship with the United States, at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., on May 23, 2007.  (AFP PHOTO/SAUL LOEB)

In September 2022, he met with Chinese officials at a Virginia restaurant while holding a manila envelope, prosecutors said.

During a meeting on April 11, 2023, Tellis and Chinese officials were heard talking about Iranian-Chinese relations and emerging technologies while dining at a restaurant, authorities said.

He received a gift bag at a Sept. 2 dinner meeting with Chinese officials as well, court documents state.

Ashley Tellis, senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C., seen at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi, India. (Bandeep Singh/The The India Today Group)

Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department, Department of War and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace for comment.

This is a developing news story. Please check back for updates.