Summary
A 56-year-old systems engineer was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) due to a pattern of inappropriate behavior and falsification of information. The applicant was terminated from employment for unwelcome and inappropriate sexually based behavior directed toward a job applicant. Subsequently, he falsified facts on his September 13, 2023, Security Clearance Application (SCA) and during an October 20, 2023, interview with a Department of Defense investigator, claiming his April 2019 termination was due to "DOWNSIZING."
Further allegations included a June 2, 2005, incident where his first spouse requested emergency police assistance. The applicant also falsified facts on his June 14, 2012, SCA by failing to disclose a physical altercation with his second spouse in October 2010, and that he was charged with 4th degree assault – domestic violence, along with its disposition.
The administrative judge found that the applicant admitted to the inappropriate behavior leading to his termination and to falsifying information on his security clearance applications regarding both his termination and past domestic violence incidents. His explanations for this conduct were deemed not credible, undermining his reliability and trustworthiness. Consequently, the applicant's security concerns were not mitigated, and eligibility for access to classified information was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to engaging in inappropriate behavior that led to his termination from employment.
- The applicant falsified information on his security clearance applications regarding his termination and past domestic violence incidents.
- The applicant's explanations for his conduct were deemed not credible, undermining his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 16(a)appliedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 16(b)appliedDeliberately Providing False or Misleading Information
- AG ¶ 16(d)appliedCredible Adverse Information
Key Rule Quoted
“Once a concern arises regarding an applicant’s security clearance eligibility, there is a strong presumption against the grant or maintenance of a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 16, 2024
- Answer filedAug 16, 2024
- Hearing heldApr 14, 2025rescheduled from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Decision dateJun 27, 2025
Cite For
- Importance of Honesty in Security Clearance Applications
- Impact of Falsification on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Presumption Against Granting Security Clearance When Concerns Arise