Originally published at: Can a Registered Sex Offender Get a Security Clearance? | ClearanceJobs Blog
I have run across a few security clearance applicants that were convicted of sexual crimes and, as a part of their sentencing, were required to register as a sexual offender for the rest of their lives. The question that comes up with these individuals is, can they be granted eligibility for a security clearance? The…
Not condoning or excusing his behavior, but this just sounds like punishment that has nothing to do with risk of him sharing classified information. If he is a registered offender, and that is public info, why would he be blackmailable? The excuse from the judge seems far fetched.
I have to agree with you. It is becoming more increasingly clear that the government is using security clearance to punish clearance holders for perceived bad behavior that has nothing to do with their ability to safeguard classified information.
This case does seem grantable for the fact that the applicant committed the offense over 20 years ago, has not had anymore criminal conduct, has complied with all parole requirements, as well got a college degree. The mitigators for this case could be applied, but it seems like the government is choosing to ignore those.
1 Like
No, the government has the prerogative to err on the side of caution. Though his status may be public record, that doesn’t mean current neighbors, coworkers and friends know about it. And the subject might still be vulnerable to coercion if he fears they might find out about it.
He isn’t hiding it as i’m understanding. His wife knows about it so there really isn’t much to coerce him with. Adjudicators have a bad habit of speaking for instead of researching the actual context. In my experience, they even used the fact that i am honest about inconsequential things which i told them i’m open about and don’t care that anyone knows about them. This catch 22 territory.