Summary
A 53-year-old former government employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant misused a government travel credit card for personal expenses and improperly used her agency’s express mail account on two occasions without reimbursement. Additionally, she borrowed money from agency employees, which was prohibited. These actions led to her resignation from the agency under unfavorable circumstances.
The applicant failed to disclose this unfavorable resignation on her security clearance application (e-QIP). While it was noted she did not intend to falsify a specific negative response in her February 2011 e-QIP, the overall pattern of conduct and lack of candor were significant. Financial concerns also arose from a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filed in May 2001, with debts discharged in September 2001.
The judge found that the applicant's misuse of the government travel card and her failure to disclose the circumstances of her resignation demonstrated a lack of candor and reliability. Her testimony regarding her understanding of rules and intent was deemed not credible. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant misused her government travel credit card for personal expenses when not on official travel.
- The applicant failed to disclose her resignation under unfavorable circumstances related to misconduct on her security clearance application.
- The applicant's testimony regarding her understanding of the rules and her intent was found not credible.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.araisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment or Falsification of Relevant Facts From Any Personnel Security Question
- E2.braisedMisuse of a Government Travel Card
- E3.arejectedThe Behavior Was Not Recent and the Applicant Has Not Misused Government Property Since ThenThe judge found that the applicant's past conduct raised ongoing concerns about her reliability.
- F3appliedThe Applicant Has Resolved Her Financial Issues
Key Rule Quoted
“Conduct involving questionable judgment, lack of candor, dishonesty, or unwillingness to comply with rules and regulations can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 3, 2013
- Answer filedDec 31, 2013
- Hearing heldMar 14, 2014
- Decision dateMar 26, 2014
Cite For
- Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Misuse of Government Property as a Disqualifying Factor
- Financial Issues as a Mitigating Condition Under Guideline F