Summary
A 57-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from the applicant's deliberate falsification of his mental health history on a security clearance application. Specifically, the applicant omitted, concealed, or falsified relevant facts on a personnel security questionnaire.
The applicant had a longstanding addiction to pornography and also suffered from clinical depression, for which he had undergone therapy and medication. However, he concealed this treatment history on his application, citing shame and fear of job loss as his motivations.
The adjudicator found that the applicant's deliberate falsification raised significant doubts about his security eligibility. His explanations for the omissions were not accepted, and the decision concluded that he was attempting to avoid the truth. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's deliberate falsification of his mental health history raised doubts about his security eligibility.
- The applicant concealed his treatment for pornography addiction and clinical depression out of shame and fear of losing his job.
- The applicant's explanations for his omissions were deemed attempts to avoid the truth.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A5.1.2.2raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- E2.A5.1.2.4raisedConcealment of Information That Increases Vulnerability to Coercion
- E2.A10.1.2.1raisedAllegations or Admission of Criminal Conduct
- E2.A5.1.3.5rejectedPositive Steps to Significantly Reduce Vulnerability to CoercionTherapy and counseling were insufficient to justify mitigation due to the applicant's falsification.
- E2.A5.1.3.3rejectedPrompt, Good-faith Efforts to Correct the FalsificationThe applicant's forthrightness came nearly one year after the falsification.
- E2.A5.1.3.2rejectedFalsification Was an Isolated Incident and Not RecentThe applicant's ongoing concealment and rationalizations negated this condition.
Key Rule Quoted
“Complete honesty and candor on the part of applicants for access to classified information is essential to make an accurate, meaningful security clearance determination.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 2, 2005
- Answer filedAug 24, 2005Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateApr 5, 2006
Cite For
- Deliberate Falsification of Mental Health History Under Guideline E
- Impact of Concealment on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Honesty in Security Clearance Applications