Summary
A 30-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct) due to a pattern of dishonesty and criminal conduct. The applicant failed to disclose multiple arrests and charges on his security questionnaire and provided false answers on his Standard Form 86 and in a sworn statement to the Defense Security Service (DSS).
Between August 1993 and March 1997, the applicant was arrested or charged six times. These incidents included arrests for possession of marijuana in August 1993 and October 1995, charges for driving on a suspended or revoked license in February and March 1996, a charge for failing to appear in traffic court in February 1996, and an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) in March 1997. Each of these events was omitted from his security questionnaire.
The judge determined that the applicant's repeated failure to disclose relevant information and his false statements constituted serious misconduct, raising significant concerns about his trustworthiness and judgment. This pattern of dishonesty and criminal conduct was found to pose a significant risk to national security, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to disclose multiple arrests and charges on his security clearance application, demonstrating a lack of candor.
- The applicant's history of arrests, including DUI and drug possession, indicated questionable judgment and reliability.
- The applicant's false statements were deemed serious misconduct, undermining trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- E2raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- J1raisedAllegations or Admission of Criminal Conduct
- J2raisedA Single Serious Crime or Multiple Lesser Offenses
Key Rule Quoted
“"the clearly consistent standard indicates that security clearance determinations should err, if they must, on the side of denials."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 27, 2001
- Answer filedOct 21, 2001Applicant elected to proceed without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Written record only.
- Decision dateFeb 13, 2002
Cite For
- Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Pattern of Criminal Conduct Impacting Security Clearance Under Guideline J
- Importance of Honesty in Security Clearance Determinations