Summary
This case concerns a 42-year-old systems specialist whose security clearance was denied under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) due to concerns about excessive alcohol use and a DWI arrest. The Statement of Reasons detailed that the applicant consumed alcohol to excess at least until November 2017, resulting in a five-day hospital stay for a heart condition and alcohol detoxification treatment. Additionally, the applicant was arrested for driving while intoxicated in September 2017.
While the applicant admitted to the excessive drinking and detox treatment, he denied the DWI arrest because he was not prosecuted. Disqualifying conditions under Guideline G, specifically AG ¶ 22(a) and AG ¶ 22(c), were raised. Mitigating conditions AG ¶ 23(a), AG ¶ 23(b), AG ¶ 23(c), and AG ¶ 23(d) were applied.
Ultimately, the security clearance was DENIED. The judge determined that despite the applicant undergoing treatment, he failed to provide sufficient evidence of rehabilitation or a sustained change in lifestyle. This led to ongoing concerns regarding his reliability and trustworthiness, which were deemed incompatible with holding a security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to excessive alcohol consumption and a DWI arrest.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of rehabilitation or a change in lifestyle.
- The judge found ongoing concerns about the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's history of excessive alcohol use continued after treatment.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Use and Evidence of Actions TakenThe applicant did not demonstrate a clear and established pattern of modified consumption.
- AG ¶ 23(c)rejectedParticipation in Counseling or Treatment ProgramThe applicant's continued alcohol consumption undermined claims of progress.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Treatment ProgramThe applicant did not provide evidence of successful rehabilitation.
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a ‘right’ to a security clearance." Department of the Navy v. Egan, 484 U.S. 518, 528 (1988).”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 26, 2018
- Answer filed—Applicant elected a decision based on the administrative record.
- Hearing held—Applicant did not request a hearing.
- Decision dateFeb 26, 2019
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Excessive Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Insufficient Evidence of Rehabilitation After Alcohol-related Incidents
- Ongoing Concerns About Reliability and Trustworthiness in Security Clearance Determinations