PSH-22-0086 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On August 25, 2022, an Administrative Judge determined that an individual's access authorization under 10 C.F.R. Part 710 should be not restored. The Individual is employed by a DOE contractor in a position that requires him to hold a security clearance. In December 2020, the Individual self- reported that he had deposited large sums of money into various bank accounts on behalf of a woman he met on a dating site. The Individual explained that, in December 2020, the banks associated with the accounts froze or closed the accounts for "an investigation." Subsequently, the Individual completed a Letter of Interrogatory (LOI) in March 2021 and was evaluated by a DOE consultant psychiatrist (DOE Psychiatrist) in September 2021. The Psychiatrist diagnosed him with Adjustment Disorder, with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood (Adjustment Disorder). At the hearing, the Individual testified that, after troubles in his marriage, he sought a romantic relationship with a woman he met on an online dating site. Shortly thereafter, the Individual engaged in multiple financial transactions, involving large sums of money, at the woman's direction. The Individual acknowledged that, after two banks froze his accounts due to fraudulent and suspicious financial transactions, he realized his relationship with the woman was problematic and ceased communication. The DOE Psychiatrist opined that the Individual's Adjustment Disorder was under control, but his prognosis was poor. After considering the evidence in the record and testimony presented at the hearing, the Administrative Judge determined that the Individual had not resolved the security concerns associated with Guideline I Accordingly, she concluded that the Individual's access authorization should be not restored. (OHA Case No. PSH-22-0086, Quintana)