Summary
A 62-year-old senior engineer with prior security clearances was denied a new clearance due to concerns under Guidelines D (Sexual Behavior), E (Personal Conduct), and M (Use of Information Technology). The denial stemmed from his extensive misuse of information technology systems and an ongoing pornography addiction.
The applicant, diagnosed with a pornography addiction since age 14, exhibited a history of related behaviors spanning nearly 50 years. This included public masturbation from 1960 to 2002, use of prostitutes 30-50 times between 1969 and 1978, and extramarital affairs between 1970 and 1977. More recently, the applicant engaged in unauthorized use of government or other information technology systems to access pornography.
Despite attempts at treatment, the applicant's claims of progress were undermined by recent incidents of viewing pornography, indicating a lack of successful abstinence. The extensive and deliberate misuse of computers, coupled with the ongoing addiction, raised significant concerns about his judgment and reliability, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant's extensive and deliberate misuse of government/company computers to access pornography was established.
- The applicant's ongoing pornography addiction raised significant concerns about his judgment and reliability.
- The applicant's claims of progress in treatment were undermined by recent incidents of viewing pornography.
Conditions Referenced
- M ¶ 40(a)raisedIllegal or Unauthorized Entry Into Any Information Technology System or Component Thereof
- M ¶ 41(a)appliedUnauthorized Use of a Government or Other Information Technology System
- D ¶ 13(b)appliedA Pattern of Compulsive, Self-destructive, or High Risk Sexual Behavior That the Person Is Unable to Stop or That May Be Symptomatic of a Personality Disorder
- D ¶ 13(c)appliedSexual Behavior That Causes an Individual to Be Vulnerable to Coercion, Exploitation, or Duress
- D ¶ 13(d)appliedSexual Behavior of a Public Nature And/or That Which Reflects Lack of Discretion or Judgment
Key Rule Quoted
“The government has a compelling interest in ensuring each Applicant possesses the requisite judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness of those who must protect national interests as their own.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 29, 2007
- Answer filedJul 19, 2007
- Hearing heldOct 9, 2007
- Decision dateDec 28, 2007
Cite For
- Disqualification Under Guideline M for Misuse of Information Technology Systems
- Disqualification Under Guideline D for Ongoing Sexual Behavior Issues
- Government's Compelling Interest in Applicant's Judgment and Reliability as It Pertains to National Security.