Summary
A 47-year-old male applicant seeking a secret security clearance was denied due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), F (Financial Considerations), and J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant's financial history included two state tax liens from 1994 and 1997, multiple debts discharged in a November 2000 Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and outstanding child support arrears and a utility debt.
His criminal conduct included a felony bad check charge in 1994, resulting in a suspended 18-month sentence, probation, and fines. He was also charged with a misdemeanor bad check in 1998, paying court costs and restitution. In 1996, he was found guilty of a DUI, incurring a fine that was not fully paid until November 2006.
Crucially, the applicant deliberately omitted these felony and alcohol-related offenses, as well as other arrests, from his security clearance application. While some financial issues were mitigated, including the bankruptcy and reduced child support arrears, the combination of his criminal history and intentional misrepresentations on the application led to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's criminal conduct included multiple offenses, including felony bad checks and DUI, which raised concerns about his judgment.
- The applicant intentionally omitted material information from his security clearance application, undermining his credibility.
- Despite mitigating some financial issues, the applicant's ongoing criminal behavior and personal conduct were not sufficiently addressed.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A10.1.2.2appliedCriminal Conduct
- E2.A5.1.2.2appliedPersonal Conduct
- E2.A6.1.3.6appliedFinancial Considerations
Key Rule Quoted
“"A history or pattern of criminal behavior creates doubt about a person's judgment."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 26, 2004
- Answer filedJun 7, 2004
- Hearing heldJan 12, 2007
- Decision dateMar 19, 2007
Cite For
- Issues of Credibility Related to Omissions on Security Clearance Applications
- Impact of Criminal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Mitigation of Financial Difficulties in the Context of Security Clearance Decisions