Summary
A 47-year-old vice-president and part-owner of a family business was denied a security clearance under Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a 1982 conviction for the sale and possession of controlled substances. As a result of this conviction, the applicant served approximately 18 months of a five-year sentence and remained on parole until 1988.
The Statement of Reasons specifically cited the applicant's guilty plea and subsequent incarceration for over one year. While the applicant demonstrated significant rehabilitation and a responsible lifestyle in the decades since his release, and mitigating conditions J.2 and J.4 were considered, these factors could not overcome a statutory disqualification.
The ultimate reason for denial was the applicant's statutory ineligibility for a security clearance under 10 U.S.C. § 986(c)(1), which applies to individuals who have served not less than one year in prison for a felony conviction. This statutory bar precluded eligibility without a waiver, which was not granted in this case.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant was statutorily disqualified from receiving a security clearance due to serving more than one year of incarceration for a felony conviction.
Conditions Referenced
- J.1raisedCriminal ConductApplicant's history of drug-related criminal conduct raised security concerns.
- J.2appliedTime Elapsed Since Criminal BehaviorSignificant time has passed since the criminal behavior occurred, making it unlikely to recur.
- J.4appliedSuccessful RehabilitationEvidence of successful rehabilitation was presented, including remorse, stable family life, and community involvement.
Key Rule Quoted
“No one has a right to a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 8, 2007
- Answer filed—
- Hearing heldMay 3, 2007
- Decision dateJul 11, 2007
Cite For
- Statutory Disqualification Under 10 U.S.C. § 986(c)(1) for Felony Convictions
- Successful Rehabilitation as a Mitigating Factor Under Guideline J
- Impact of Elapsed Time on Criminal Conduct Concerns Under Guideline J