Summary
A 41-year-old married father of four was denied a security clearance under Guideline J (Criminal Conduct) due to a 1982 conviction for theft by unlawful taking. This conviction stemmed from an incident where the applicant used a BB gun to rob a gas station attendant, resulting in a second-degree misdemeanor.
Despite the 2004 amendments to 10 U.S.C. § 986, which could potentially allow for clearance eligibility, the judge determined that the applicant had not sufficiently demonstrated rehabilitation. Disqualifying conditions E2.A10.1.2.1 and E2.A10.1.2.2 were raised, while mitigating conditions E2.A10.1.3.1 and E2.A10.1.3.2 were applied.
The denial was based on several factors: the applicant minimized the seriousness of his past criminal conduct during testimony, his lack of candor regarding his criminal history raised significant security concerns, and the criminal conduct, though dated, was deemed serious and indicative of poor judgment. The judge found insufficient evidence of successful rehabilitation.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant minimized the seriousness of his past criminal conduct during testimony.
- The applicant's lack of candor regarding his criminal history raised significant security concerns.
- The applicant's criminal conduct, although dated, was serious and demonstrated poor judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A10.1.2.1raisedAllegations or Admission of Criminal Conduct
- E2.A10.1.2.2raisedA Single Serious Crime
- E2.A10.1.3.1appliedThe Criminal Behavior Was Not Recent
- E2.A10.1.3.2appliedThe Crime Was an Isolated Incident
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 3, 2003
- Answer filed—
- Hearing heldJan 15, 2004Applicant represented himself.
- Decision dateSep 28, 2005Remand decision.
Cite For
- Evaluation of Criminal Conduct Under Guideline J
- Impact of 10 U.S.C. § 986 Amendments on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Applicant's Candor and Acknowledgment of Past Misconduct in Clearance Decisions.