Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Maryland

Security Clearance Revoked based on false information

I am an IT professional and until August of last year, I was working as a contractor for the FBI in Washington, DC. I was laid off from my job because the FBI found issues in my background while doing an update to my security clearance. I filed a FOIPA appeal, and in January, 2004,I received a report from the FBI on what they found. As it turned out that my clearance was revoked based on, what is largely, false information. This false information was gathered through an interview with a former spouse, which was never corroberated or verified by the FBI. Can file a claim or lawsuit for recovery of lost wages and benefits from the FBI? I have a another question which is related to the previous question. As a result of being laid off, I was evicted from my apartment, in Edgewood (Harford County, MD) back in February. Most of my belongings were stolen. I am not questioning the legality of the eviction, but my question is if I can sue the apartment complex and/or the FBI for the recovery of my possessions? Thank you!


Asked on 3/28/04, 2:22 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Worsham Michael C. Worsham, Esq.

Re: Security Clearance Revoked based on false information

Your claim if any is against the person who gave the FBI false information, for defamation or false light invasion of privacy. Note that defamation has a one year statute of limitations.

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Answered on 3/28/04, 3:40 pm
Nance Lyons Law Office of Nance Lyons

Re: Security Clearance Revoked based on false information

As an independent contractor you have no right to be employed unless you had a contract for a specific term. It would be well to write a rebuttal to the FBI asking for reinstatement and demonstrating the untruthfulness of the information. You would have a right to sue your ex-wife for libel/slander. You may also think of reporting her for lying to a federal officer (Martha Stewart, although I am not familiar with the specifics of the statute.)

If you were the victim of a theft, report it to the police. If you know who stole them, you can sue to recover the value. Depending ont he amount, you may have to sue in the small claims court.

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Answered on 3/29/04, 4:01 pm


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