Summary
A 26-year-old welder for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), and H (Drug Involvement). The denial stemmed from the applicant's admitted substance abuse, including marijuana, Adderall, Suboxone, and alcohol, as well as issues with candor during the investigative process.
Specific allegations included consuming alcohol to intoxication approximately three times annually and a positive test for marijuana and alcohol on February 27, 2015, during a random urinalysis and breathalyzer. On May 29, 2016, the applicant was stopped by police for a traffic violation, and an open case of beer was observed in the vehicle. The applicant admitted to using a marijuana vaping device in the first week of October 2017.
Furthermore, the applicant initially told an OPM investigator in October 2017 that he did not plan to stop using marijuana, but later stated in his November 2018 Answer to the Statement of Reasons that he would cease use. The judge found that the applicant's admissions of ongoing substance misuse and failure to provide complete and truthful information raised substantial doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness, leading to the denial.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant admitted to ongoing drug involvement and substance misuse, including marijuana and alcohol.
- He failed to provide complete and truthful information during the security clearance process.
- The applicant's actions raised significant doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)appliedAny Substance Misuse
- AG ¶ 25(b)appliedTesting Positive for an Illegal Drug
- AG ¶ 25(c)appliedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- AG ¶ 25(f)appliedIllegal Drug Use While Granted Access to Classified Information
- AG ¶ 25(g)appliedExpressed Intent to Continue Drug Involvement
- AG ¶ 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(b)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 16(a)appliedDeliberate Omission or Concealment of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 16(e)appliedPersonal Conduct Creating Vulnerability to Exploitation
- AG ¶ 16(f)appliedViolation of a Written Commitment Made to the Employer
Key rule quoted
“Eligibility for access to classified information is denied.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedOct 5, 2018
- Answer filedNov 26, 2018Applicant elected to have his case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—Decision made based on written record.
- Decision dateMar 18, 2019
Cite for
- Failure to Mitigate Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Failure to Mitigate Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Failure to Provide Complete and Truthful Information Under Guideline E