In 19 years of using his security clearance to sweep floors at a plant owned by defense contractor Lockheed Martin, janitor Michael Lynch has done nothing to arouse suspicion. Co-workers and bosses speak glowingly of Lynch, a brain-tumor survivor who's active in his church, building homes for poor people in Maine and West Virginia.
But because he and his family have struggled financially, the government now sees him as a possible threat to national security. Defense Department officials say the janitor may be tempted to sell government secrets to get out of debt.
Last month, they asked a judge to revoke Lynch's security clearance.
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Lynch, who considers himself a patriotic American, is fighting back. His lawyer calls the government's actions ''outrageous'' and has asked Administrative Judge James A. Young to allow Lynch to keep his clearance. A decision is expected by Labor Day.
Although Lockheed has promised Lynch a job even if he loses the clearance, ''It's a matter of pride for him,'' said his attorney, James Katz. ''The notion that this individual would pose a security threat is just extraordinary to me.''
The Defense Department didn't respond to a request for comment.
