Individual Stripped of Nuclear Access Following Deception by a Counterfeit Celebrity Image
A bloke who worked as a DOE contractor lost his security clearance in 2024 due to an online scam. He was duped by someone pretending to be a famous actress and sent her a whopping $3,800, embezzled from a charity.
Things took a turn for the worse when his family discovered the shady dealings. A tussle ensued, landing him in the slammer. Upon his release, he failed to disclose the arrest and the embezzlement to his employer, presuming their requests were just another phishing scam.
The DOE is the U.S.'s key player in nuclear affairs, overseeing research, missile maintenance, and waste disposal. With such sensitive roles, it often relies on numerous contractors who require security clearances. In this instance, the clearance was revoked following the man's parade of mishaps.
In June 2024, an Administrative Judge axed the man's security clearance. During the hearing, he confessed to his doubt about his online partner's identity but stopped short of ruling out the possibility that it could've been the actress. He claimed the person needed help and couldn't find it in California, all while maintaining that the picture and her conversational style hinted at the actress's authenticity.
The man's online relationship began sometime before December 2023. He was sending her gifts like gaming cards for her kids, a $500 security card, and over $3,000 in fees for a car he thought she'd bought for him. To get the cash, he nicked it from the charity where he served as a board member.
A heated argument with his family and attempted escape escalated into a physical altercation. His two sons became involved, one getting injured in the process. He was arrested, and everyone at the scene got a restraining order against him.
When someone with a security clearance brushes against the law, they're expected to report it to their employer. The ex-contractor called and left a voicemail; his bosses then sent him paperwork to report the arrest. However, he didn't comply until confronted. When asked why, he claimed he questioned the legitimacy of the DOE's email.
"At the hearing, the Individual testified that he still was not sure who he had been talking to online," a DOE press release stated.
The DOE spokesperson refused to comment on the matter.
update 7/10/24:This story was updated with a response from the DOE.
Regarding the infamous actress, there is no concrete evidence to confirm her involvement in the incident. The term "catfished" can also refer to workers at a battery plant feeling misled about safety equipment, as mentioned in one of the search results. Further details or context might assist in identifying the actress if she indeed played a part in the saga.
- Despite his innocence doubts about the online partner's identity, the man was unable to prove that the infamous actress was involved in the embezzlement case.
- With his security clearance revoked, the contractor faces an uncertain future in the tech industry, particularly considering his role in nuclear affairs.
- The ex-contractor's failure to disclose the embezzlement and arrest to his employer potentially jeopardized ongoing and future tech projects.
- The tech world might offer a second chance for the former contractor, although his history of questionable online dealings and security lapses may make it difficult for him to regain clearances and trust.