Summary
A 33-year-old IT lead for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed primarily from a pattern of employment misconduct. The applicant was terminated from Company A in January 2012 for a verbal confrontation with a client during which he brandished a knife. He was also terminated from Company B in March 2013 for changing his leave itinerary without approval and dishonesty about his whereabouts, and from Company C in November 2017 for job abandonment and falsifying his timesheet.
Additionally, the applicant failed to timely file his federal income tax return for tax year 2016. While he resolved the tax issue, mitigating the financial concern, the judge found that the applicant's overall conduct demonstrated a lack of reliability and trustworthiness.
The decision highlighted the applicant's multiple employment terminations for misconduct, including the violent incident. Concerns were also raised regarding his minimization of past conduct, which impacted his perceived judgment and candor. Ultimately, the applicant's pattern of behavior was deemed inconsistent with the reliability and trustworthiness required for security clearance eligibility.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had multiple employment terminations for misconduct, including a violent incident involving brandishing a knife.
- The applicant's minimization of his past conduct raised concerns about his judgment and candor.
- The applicant's pattern of behavior indicated a lack of reliability and trustworthiness necessary for security clearance.
Conditions Referenced
- DC ¶ 16(d)(2)appliedCredible Adverse InformationThe applicant's three involuntary separations for cause reflect serious breaches of trust and reliability.
- DC ¶ 19(f)appliedFailure to File TaxesThe applicant's failure to timely file his 2016 federal income tax return raised security concerns.
- MC ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Infrequent or Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's late tax filing was isolated and due to a misunderstanding.
- MC ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Beyond ControlThe applicant's late filing was largely due to reliance on a tax preparer who became unavailable.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for access to classified information may only be granted 'upon a finding that it is clearly consistent with the national interest to do so.'”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 6, 2020
- Answer filedJan 21, 2020
- Hearing heldSep 8, 2020rescheduled twice
- Decision dateNov 16, 2020
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Personal Conduct Issues
- Impact of Violent Incidents on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F