Summary
A 53-year-old CEO was granted a security clearance despite a history of criminal conduct under Guideline J. The Statement of Reasons detailed six arrests for misdemeanors and an admitted assault on his ex-wife. These incidents included an arrest in 1975 for assault and resisting arrest, with the assault charge dismissed and bond forfeited for resisting. In 1977, he was found guilty of criminal damage and assault, receiving a suspended 60-day jail sentence and a $250 court cost, with $150 suspended.
In 1978, he admitted to striking his wife during a domestic quarrel, though no authorities were involved. A 1982 arrest for criminal damage was dismissed after he paid $150 for damaging another vehicle. In 1990, he was found guilty of resisting arrest, sentenced to ten days in jail (with one day credit), 40 hours of community service, and a $250 fine. His final arrest in 1992 resulted in a conviction for one count of assault, a 180-day jail sentence (168 days suspended), and five years probation contingent on completing an Alcohol Safety Program.
Despite these disqualifying conditions, the judge applied mitigating factors, noting that the applicant had no arrests or misconduct for over five years. His earlier arrests were considered isolated incidents within a broader pattern of positive interactions, and he demonstrated significant rehabilitation through community involvement and personal growth.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant has not been arrested or involved in misconduct for over five years.
- The applicant's earlier arrests were isolated incidents in the context of his overall positive interactions with others.
- The applicant demonstrated clear evidence of successful rehabilitation through community involvement and personal growth.
Conditions Referenced
- J1raisedAny Criminal Conduct, Regardless of Whether the Person Was Formally Charged.
- J2raisedA Single Serious Crime or Multiple Lesser Offenses
- J1appliedThe Criminal Behavior Was Not Recent.
- J2appliedThe Crime Was an Isolated Incident.
- J5appliedThere Is Clear Evidence of Successful Rehabilitation.
Key Rule Quoted
“A history or pattern of criminal activity creates doubt about a person's judgment, reliability and trustworthiness.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 5, 1996
- Answer filedDec 23, 1996
- Hearing heldFeb 20, 1997
- Decision dateApr 22, 1997
Cite For
- Mitigation of Criminal Conduct Under Guideline J
- Successful Rehabilitation After a History of Criminal Behavior
- Impact of Community Involvement on Security Clearance Decisions