Summary
A 52-year-old male with a long history in the defense industry was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), Guideline E (Personal Conduct), and Guideline M (Use of Information Technology). While working as a cleared employee for a U.S. defense contractor in Egypt, the applicant engaged in an extramarital affair with an Egyptian citizen. He failed to report this relationship to company security officials and continued it via telephone and email after returning to the U.S., providing financial support out of obligation.
The applicant misused company resources to maintain the relationship. Specifically, he used his employer's computer for personal emails to his girlfriend, which was prohibited. He also lied to both his wife and employer to facilitate a three-week trip back to Egypt, charging his travel expenses to a company credit card.
The judge found that the applicant's actions, including the affair with a foreign national, lying to his wife and employer, and misusing company resources, demonstrated a lack of candor, trustworthiness, and poor judgment. These actions raised significant security concerns that the applicant failed to mitigate, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant engaged in an extramarital affair with a foreign national while working in a foreign country.
- He lied to his wife and employer about his travel and relationship, demonstrating a lack of candor and trustworthiness.
- The applicant's actions raised significant security concerns regarding his judgment and reliability.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 1raisedReliability, Untrustworthiness
- DC 4raisedPersonal Conduct
- DC 5raisedPattern of Dishonesty
- MC 5appliedPositive Steps to Mitigate VulnerabilityThe applicant's relationship with the Egyptian woman is over and communications have ceased.
Key Rule Quoted
“The decision to deny a person a security clearance is not a determination of an applicant's loyalty. Instead, it is a determination that the applicant has not met the strict guidelines the President has established for granting a clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 19, 2004
- Answer filedJun 9, 2004Applicant initially requested a decision without a hearing.
- Hearing heldMar 9, 2006
- Decision dateJul 14, 2006
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Extramarital Affairs with Foreign Nationals Under Guideline B
- Lack of Candor and Trustworthiness Impacting Security Clearance Under Guideline E
- Misuse of Company Resources and Personal Conduct Issues Under Guideline M