Summary
A 37-year-old network engineer, holding a top secret clearance, faced allegations under Guideline D (Sexual Behavior) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The Statement of Reasons specifically alleged that the applicant downloaded child pornography to his home computer and subsequently falsified material facts about this conduct in a statement to a Defense Security Service agent. Disqualifying conditions D.1.a, E.2.a, and E.2.b were raised.
However, the security clearance was GRANTED. The judge determined that the government failed to establish by substantial evidence that the applicant deliberately downloaded child pornography. Mitigating conditions D.3 and E.2 were applied.
Crucially, the applicant's admissions were not deemed reliable due to the absence of the polygrapher's testimony. The judge found the applicant's claims regarding the nature of the downloaded images to be credible, leading to the decision to grant the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The government failed to establish by substantial evidence that the applicant deliberately downloaded child pornography.
- The applicant's admissions were not deemed reliable due to the absence of the polygrapher's testimony.
- The judge found that the applicant's claims regarding the nature of the downloaded images were credible.
Conditions Referenced
- D.1.araisedSexual Behavior
- E.2.araisedPersonal Conduct
- E.2.braisedPersonal Conduct
- D.3appliedSexual Behavior
- E.2appliedPersonal Conduct
Key Rule Quoted
“The government must establish, by substantial evidence, conditions in the personal or professional history of the applicant that disqualify, or may disqualify, the applicant from being eligible for access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 17, 2003
- Answer filedUndated
- Hearing heldDec 18, 2003
- Decision dateJan 29, 2004Remanded on 10/07/2004
Cite For
- Failure to Establish Substantial Evidence for Allegations of Downloading Child Pornography
- Importance of Cross-examination in Evidentiary Hearings
- Reliability of Hearsay Evidence in Security Clearance Cases