Summary
A 54-year-old engineering technician for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from the applicant's misuse of a corporate credit card and broader financial irresponsibility.
Specifically, the applicant failed to pay his corporate credit card bill as agreed, despite receiving reimbursements for travel expenses. He also provided false information to his employer, claiming he was paying the bill when he was not. In December 2009, his corporate credit card was canceled, and his employer paid the $12,564 balance, subsequently deducting $500 per pay period from his paycheck to recover the debt. That same month, his employer issued a final notice citing dishonesty, negligence, and improper use of the card. Additionally, the applicant was indebted to a car lender for approximately $13,867 on a charged-off account.
The judge found that the applicant's repeated misuse of the corporate credit card over a six-month period raised significant personal conduct concerns. While the applicant's financial difficulties contributed to his misconduct, they did not sufficiently mitigate the security concerns. Consequently, the applicant failed to mitigate the issues related to his personal conduct and financial considerations, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to mitigate security concerns related to his misuse of a corporate credit card and financial irresponsibility.
- The applicant's repeated misuse of the corporate credit card over a six-month period posed serious personal conduct concerns.
- The applicant's financial difficulties contributed to his misconduct but did not provide sufficient extenuation.
Conditions Referenced
- DC ¶ 16(d)(3)appliedPattern of Dishonesty or Rules Violations
- DC ¶ 16(d)(4)appliedEvidence of Significant Misuse of Government or Other Employer’s Time or Resources
- MC ¶ 17(c)rejectedThe Offense Is so Minor, or the Behavior Is so Infrequent, or It Happened Under Such Unique Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur and Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual’s Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good Judgment.The applicant's misconduct was not considered minor or unique enough to mitigate the concerns.
Key Rule Quoted
“"Holding a security clearance involves a fiduciary relationship between the Government and the clearance holder."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 7, 2011
- Answer filedApr 4, 2011
- Hearing heldJun 22, 2011
- Decision dateAug 26, 2011
Cite For
- Misuse of Corporate Credit Card Under Guideline E
- Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Impact of Personal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility