Summary
A 25-year-old federal contractor was denied a security clearance under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), H (Drug Involvement), and I (Psychological Conditions). The denial stemmed from admitted drug use, psychological issues, and a lack of candor during the clearance process.
Specifically, the applicant deliberately falsified material facts on his December 2017 Security Clearance Application (SCA) by failing to disclose illegal marijuana use from approximately 2010 until 2017, including periods while holding a security clearance after 2012. His uncooperative behavior, a suicide gesture, and incomplete candor with the LCP and during hospitalization further raised concerns about his judgment, stability, reliability, and trustworthiness.
The judge determined that the applicant's history of bipolar disorder, domestic violence, and ongoing substance use, combined with his admitted falsification of information, created significant doubts regarding his reliability and trustworthiness, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to falsifying information regarding drug use on his security clearance application.
- The applicant exhibited psychological issues, including a history of bipolar disorder and domestic violence.
- The judge found the applicant's lack of candor and ongoing issues with substance use raised significant doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 15raisedPersonal Conduct
- AG ¶ 25raisedDrug Involvement and Substance Misuse
- AG ¶ 28raisedPsychological Conditions
- AG ¶ 17rejectedPersonal ConductThe applicant did not make prompt, good-faith efforts to correct the omission before being confronted with the facts.
- AG ¶ 26rejectedDrug Involvement and Substance MisuseThe applicant failed to provide evidence of actions to overcome the problem and establish a pattern of abstinence.
- AG ¶ 29rejectedPsychological ConditionsThe applicant did not offer evidence that he has resumed psychological counseling or treatment.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 14, 2019
- Answer filedJun 4, 2019Applicant elected to have his case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—Decision made based on written record.
- Decision dateNov 26, 2019
Cite For
- Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Impact of Psychological Conditions on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline I
- Substance Misuse and Its Implications for Trustworthiness Under Guideline H