Summary
A 36-year-old federal contractor was denied a security clearance based on concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The denial stemmed from the applicant's illegal marijuana use in 2014 while he possessed a security clearance.
Further issues arose from the applicant's conduct during the clearance process. He falsified his 2015 security clearance application by failing to disclose his marijuana use. Additionally, the applicant made multiple false statements to a government investigator, denying his marijuana use while holding a clearance.
The judge determined that these actions, specifically the illegal drug use and the subsequent falsification of information on his application and to an investigator, raised significant concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness. Despite the applicant's claims of mitigating circumstances, the evidence presented did not support a favorable outcome, resulting in the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant illegally used marijuana while holding a security clearance.
- The applicant falsified his security clearance application by failing to disclose his marijuana use.
- The applicant made false statements to a government investigator regarding his drug use.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedSubstance Misuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- AG ¶ 25(f)raisedIllegal Drug Use While Granted Access to Classified Information
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission or Falsification
- AG ¶ 16(b)raisedDeliberately Providing False or Misleading Information
Key Rule Quoted
“The illegal use of controlled substances, to include the misuse of prescription and non-prescription drugs, and the use of other substances that cause physical or mental impairment or are used in a manner inconsistent with their intended purpose can raise questions about an individual's reliability and trustworthiness.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 30, 2018
- Answer filedJun 30, 2018
- Hearing heldJun 24, 2019
- Decision dateAug 21, 2019
Cite For
- Illegal Drug Use While Holding a Security Clearance Under Guideline H
- Falsification of Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E
- Failure to Mitigate Security Concerns Related to Personal Conduct and Substance Misuse