Summary
A 38-year-old male applicant with an information systems and cybersecurity background was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline D (Sexual Behavior) and Guideline I (Psychological Conditions). The Statement of Reasons detailed that from approximately 2001 to 2020, the applicant viewed animated pornography that, at times, depicted underage characters and themes such as abduction, imprisonment, incest, and rape.
Additionally, from about 2017 to at least 2020, the applicant engaged in public masturbation on multiple occasions, both in his car in public parking lots and in public restrooms, including at his workplace, while viewing pornographic content. On May 31, 2023, a licensed psychologist evaluated the applicant and determined he met the criteria for Other Specified Paraphilic Disorder, Chronic Pornography Use.
The administrative judge found that the applicant's admitted viewing of animated pornography depicting underage characters and his engagement in public masturbation demonstrated a lack of judgment and discretion. The diagnosis of Other Specified Paraphilic Disorder further indicated impaired judgment and reliability, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant admitted to viewing animated pornography depicting underage characters, which raised significant security concerns.
- He engaged in public masturbation while viewing pornographic content, reflecting a lack of judgment and discretion.
- A psychologist diagnosed him with Other Specified Paraphilic Disorder, indicating impaired judgment and reliability.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 13(a)appliedSexual Behavior of a Criminal Nature
- AG ¶ 13(b)appliedPattern of Compulsive, Self-destructive, or High-risk Sexual Behavior
- AG ¶ 13(c)appliedSexual Behavior That Causes Vulnerability to Coercion, Exploitation, or Duress
- AG ¶ 13(d)appliedSexual Behavior of a Public Nature or That Reflects Lack of Discretion or Judgment
- AG ¶ 28(a)appliedBehavior That Casts Doubt on an Individual's Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(b)appliedOpinion by a Qualified Mental Health Professional Indicating a Condition That May Impair Judgment
Key rule quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedNov 27, 2023
- Answer filedDec 13, 2023
- Hearing heldNov 20, 2024
- Decision dateMar 14, 2025
Cite for
- Security Concerns Under Guidelines D and I Due to Sexual Behavior and Psychological Conditions
- Impact of Diagnosed Psychological Conditions on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Public Sexual Behavior as a Disqualifying Factor for Security Clearance