Summary
A 45-year-old computer engineer was denied a security clearance primarily under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) due to a documented history of theft and dishonest behavior. The applicant was fired from Television Station A for stealing gasoline and subsequently re-entered the building after hours with another employee to damage equipment, including knocking out a microwave dish. The applicant did not disclose involvement in this incident to the FBI.
Further instances of theft include stealing a printer, oscilloscope, video card, and floppy disks from a university in 1985, and in 1996, taking multiple uninterrupted power supplies, hard drives, a microscope, and various computer components from another employer. In both cases, the applicant admitted to the thefts but attempted to minimize their significance by claiming the equipment was unused or outdated. Additionally, the applicant retained a hard drive, claiming the company no longer wanted it, but failed to disclose its possession during a security clearance investigation.
The denial was based on the applicant's pattern of dishonesty, including theft from multiple employers, and retaliatory actions against a former employer. The government did not establish a prima facie case under Guideline D (Sexual Behavior) or Guideline M (Use of Information Technology). The applicant failed to mitigate the security concerns related to personal conduct.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has a history of theft from multiple employers, demonstrating a pattern of dishonesty.
- Applicant's retaliatory actions against a former employer raised significant security concerns.
- Applicant failed to mitigate the security concerns related to personal conduct.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A5.1.2.4appliedPersonal Conduct or Concealment of Information That Increases an Individual's Vulnerability to Coercion, Exploitation or Duress.
- E2.A5.1.2.5appliedA Pattern of Dishonesty or Rule Violations, Including Violation of Any Written or Recorded Agreement Made Between the Individual and the Agency.
Key Rule Quoted
“The sole purpose of a security clearance determination is to decide if it is clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue a security clearance for an applicant.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 30, 2004
- Answer filedFeb 28, 2005Applicant requested a hearing.
- Hearing heldJan 18, 2006Hearing conducted as scheduled.
- Decision dateFeb 23, 2006
Cite For
- Pattern of Dishonesty Under Guideline E
- Failure to Mitigate Personal Conduct Concerns
- Government's Burden of Proof in Security Clearance Cases