Summary
A 54-year-old senior electronics engineer was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from allegations that, between September and October 1995, the applicant knowingly submitted a false time card for an absent employee, mischarging labor costs to a government contract. The applicant was also alleged to have distributed contract numbers to employees, directing them to charge labor costs to contracts on which they may not have directly worked.
The applicant was terminated on October 17, 1995, for falsifying the time card. While the judge found the applicant's actions to be a serious lapse in judgment, violating a fiduciary duty to both the employer and the government, it was determined that the applicant did not act with deliberate intent to defraud.
Despite strong character evidence presented, which suggested the conduct would not be repeated, the clearance was ultimately denied. The decision emphasized the serious nature of the lapse in judgment and the violation of fiduciary duty as the primary reasons for denial.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant mischarged labor costs to a government contract by submitting a false time card for an absent employee.
- The applicant's actions constituted a serious lapse in judgment, violating a fiduciary duty to the employer and the government.
Conditions Referenced
- J1raisedCriminal Conduct
- E3raisedPersonal Conduct
- E5raisedPersonal Conduct
- J1rejectedCriminal ConductThe applicant's belief that he was not doing anything wrong mitigated the severity of the conduct.
- E2rejectedPersonal ConductThe falsification was an isolated incident and not recent.
Key Rule Quoted
“The granting (or continuance) of a security clearance under this Directive may only be done upon a finding that to do so is clearly consistent with the national interest.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 1, 1997
- Answer filedJul 17, 1997
- Hearing heldJan 21, 1998
- Decision dateApr 13, 1998
Cite For
- Evaluation of Personal Conduct Under Guideline E
- Assessment of Criminal Conduct Under Guideline J
- Consideration of Character Evidence in Security Clearance Determinations