Summary
A 39-year-old federal contractor and former military officer was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from multiple instances of dishonesty on security questionnaires and a failure to disclose unfavorable discharge circumstances.
Specifically, the applicant provided false answers regarding his drug usage on three different Questionnaires for National Security Positions, including his October 1995 PSQ, and his April 1998 and March 2000 signed, sworn statements to the DSS. He also failed to indicate his March 1997 cocaine use on his November 1997 Questionnaire, stating he did not consider it "use," and did not disclose this incident on his October 1999 Security Clearance Application.
Furthermore, the applicant failed to list that he had left military service under unfavorable circumstances on his 1999 security clearance application and answered "no" to question 20 on his October 1999 Security Clearance Application, which asked about leaving a job under unfavorable circumstances. The judge found that this repeated dishonesty demonstrated a pattern of untrustworthiness, leading to the denial of his clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant provided false answers regarding his drug usage on multiple security questionnaires.
- He failed to disclose leaving the military under unfavorable circumstances, which constituted a lack of candor.
- The applicant's actions demonstrated a pattern of dishonesty that undermined his trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A5.1.2.2raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- J1.araisedAllegations 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 issuedSep 19, 2001
- Answer filedOct 2, 2001
- Hearing heldMar 22, 2002
- Decision dateJun 25, 2002
Cite For
- Denial Based on Falsification of Security Clearance Applications
- Importance of Candor in Security Clearance Determinations
- Impact of Unfavorable Discharge on Security Clearance Eligibility