Summary
A 37-year-old Systems Engineer employed by a defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), and J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a history of criminal behavior, alcohol abuse, and dishonesty in his security clearance application.
The applicant had a pattern of arrests between 1987 and 1998. These included charges in February 1987 for Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer, Evading a Police Officer Causing Injury/Death, and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. In May 1987, he faced charges for Sexual Battery, Assault, Battery, and Disturbing the Peace. Later, in July 1998, he was charged with Operation Under the Influence of Alcohol, followed by a Public Intoxication charge in October 1998. While an allegation of a 1983 arrest for DUI and evading an officer was made, no evidence supported it.
Furthermore, the applicant made false statements on his security clearance application. He failed to disclose a 1983 arrest in an April 2000 sworn statement and answered "NO" to a July 1999 question asking if he had ever been charged with or convicted of any felony offense, despite his prior felony charges. The judge concluded that the applicant's numerous arrests and false statements demonstrated poor judgment and unreliability, making a security clearance inconsistent with national security interests.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant engaged in a pattern of criminal conduct from 1987 to 1998, including multiple arrests for serious offenses.
- The applicant's history of alcohol abuse was linked to his criminal behavior, with most arrests occurring while under the influence.
- The applicant deliberately falsified his security clearance application by omitting a felony charge.
Conditions Referenced
- J1raisedCriminal Conduct
- G1raisedAlcohol Consumption
- E2raisedPersonal Conduct
Key Rule Quoted
“The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person's life to make an affirmative determination that the person is an acceptable security risk.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 28, 2001
- Answer filedJun 20, 2001Applicant elected to proceed without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Written record only.
- Decision dateDec 4, 2001
Cite For
- Pattern of Criminal Conduct Leading to Security Clearance Denial
- Impact of Alcohol Abuse on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Honesty in Security Clearance Applications