Summary
A 59-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed primarily from the applicant providing false information on his National Agency Questionnaire and during interviews with the Defense Security Service (DSS).
Specifically, the applicant failed to disclose nine foreign trips, including eight to Taiwan, and omitted information about his foreign-born siblings and in-laws. He also retained proprietary technical information from a former employer and used a subsequent company's resources for personal product development, leading to his termination from that company due to unethical behavior and conflict of interest.
The applicant's false statements on his questionnaire and during DSS interviews, including a sworn statement, constituted felonious conduct under Title 18, Section 1001 of the United States Code. His explanations for these omissions and misrepresentations were deemed unpersuasive, failing to mitigate the government's concerns regarding his judgment and reliability.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The Applicant provided false information regarding his foreign travel and family ties.
- He failed to disclose nine trips to Taiwan and omitted information about foreign-born siblings and in-laws.
- The Applicant's explanations for these omissions were not persuasive and did not mitigate the government's concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A5.1.2.2raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- E2.A10.1.2.1raisedAllegations or Admission of Criminal Conduct
Key Rule Quoted
“Complete honesty and candor on the part of applicants for access to classified information is essential to make an accurate and meaningful security clearance determination.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 4, 2001
- Answer filedJun 17, 2001Applicant elected to have case decided on written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; case decided on written record.
- Decision dateOct 25, 2001
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Falsification of Information Under Guideline E
- Failure to Disclose Foreign Travel and Family Ties as a Security Concern
- Importance of Candor in Security Clearance Applications