Summary
A 56-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) due to concerns about dishonesty and poor judgment related to a relocation allowance. The applicant accepted a relocation package totaling $43,485, which required him to move closer to a work facility approximately 90 miles from his residence. However, he did not relocate.
Instead, the applicant submitted a one-year lease for a home within the required geographic area but never moved into it. After the relocation package was finalized in May 2013, he collected an additional $7,829 for hotel stays, mileage from his original home, and per diem, to which he was not entitled.
The judge found that the applicant's actions, including accepting funds without relocating, submitting a questionable lease, and claiming unentitled reimbursements, demonstrated a lack of candor. His inconsistent testimony and failure to accept responsibility for his actions ultimately led to the denial of his security clearance, as he did not mitigate the raised concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant accepted a relocation allowance but did not relocate, demonstrating dishonesty and poor judgment.
- He submitted a lease agreement that was not credible and collected reimbursements for expenses he was not entitled to.
- The applicant's inconsistent testimony and lack of acceptance of responsibility raised doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 16(d)raisedCredible Adverse Information
- AG ¶ 16(e)raisedPersonal Conduct Creating Vulnerability
- AG ¶ 17(c)rejectedMinor Offense or Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's conduct was not minor and raised ongoing concerns about reliability.
- AG ¶ 17(d)rejectedAcknowledgment and CounselingThe applicant did not adequately acknowledge wrongdoing or demonstrate rehabilitation.
- AG ¶ 17(e)appliedPositive Steps to Reduce VulnerabilityThe company was aware of the applicant's conduct, but this did not mitigate the concerns.
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 issuedMay 29, 2015
- Answer filedJun 9, 2015Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing heldDec 8, 2015
- Decision dateApr 25, 2016
Cite For
- Dishonesty in Accepting Relocation Funds Under Guideline E
- Credibility Issues Impacting Security Clearance Eligibility
- Failure to Mitigate Personal Conduct Concerns Leading to Denial of Clearance