Summary
A 36-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline I (Psychological Conditions) due to a history of serious psychological issues and violent behavior, coupled with falsification of security clearance applications. The applicant admitted to numerous allegations, including falsifying his January 19, 2017, e-QIP regarding employment activities and psychological health, and providing false information during a June 25, 2018, interview with a DoD investigator.
The applicant's admitted history includes being placed on psychiatric hold for suicidal ideations in April 2011, and telling a psychologist in January 2011 that he experienced pleasure from torturing an individual. He also admitted to killing a stray cat in 2010 and to being told to leave a university in December 2010 due to concerns he posed a harm to students. Further admissions include being asked to resign from employment in 2013 for bringing a concealed handgun to work, and being requested to leave another college in early 2013 due to concerns he was planning a school shooting.
Despite claims of progress in mental health treatment, the judge found ongoing issues that undermined the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness. The denial was based on the applicant's admitted violent behavior, including animal cruelty and threats, the falsification of security clearance applications, and psychological evaluations indicating persistent mental health issues that could impair judgment.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple instances of violent behavior, including killing animals and making threats.
- The applicant falsified information on his security clearance applications, demonstrating a lack of candor and reliability.
- The applicant's psychological evaluations indicated ongoing mental health issues that could impair judgment and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 28(a)appliedBehavior That Casts Doubt on an Individual’s Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(b)appliedAn Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That the Individual Has a Condition That May Impair Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 28(c)appliedVoluntary or Involuntary Inpatient Hospitalization
- AG ¶ 28(d)appliedFailure to Follow a Prescribed Treatment Plan Related to a Diagnosed Psychological/psychiatric Condition
- AG ¶ 16(a)appliedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 16(b)appliedDeliberately Providing False or Misleading Information
- AG ¶ 16(c)appliedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- AG ¶ 16(d)appliedCredible Adverse Information That Is Not Explicitly Covered Under Any Other Guideline
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 4, 2025
- Answer filedMar 8, 2025
- Hearing heldJan 13, 2026rescheduled due to Federal Government shutdown
- Decision dateMar 2, 2026
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Personal Conduct Issues Under Guideline E
- Impact of Falsification of Information on Security Clearance Eligibility