Summary
A 38-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). Disqualifying conditions included AG ¶ 22(a), AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c), AG ¶ 19(f), and AG ¶ 16(c).
The applicant admitted to multiple DUI arrests and a history of alcohol abuse, but failed to demonstrate a clear pattern of modified consumption or abstinence. Additionally, the applicant had ongoing financial difficulties, including multiple unpaid debts and late tax filings that remained unresolved.
While mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(g), AG ¶ 23(a), and AG ¶ 23(b) were considered, the judge determined that the applicant's evidence did not sufficiently address the security concerns. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple DUI arrests and a history of alcohol abuse.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a clear pattern of modified consumption or abstinence from alcohol.
- The applicant's financial issues included multiple unpaid debts and late tax filings, which were not resolved.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(f)appliedFailure to File Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax Returns as Required
- AG ¶ 16(c)appliedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- AG ¶ 20(g)appliedThe Individual Has Made Arrangements with the Appropriate Tax Authority to File or Pay the Amount Owed
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedSo Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Was so Infrequent, or It Happened Under Such Unusual Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's ongoing financial issues and alcohol consumption were not infrequent.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedThe Individual Acknowledges His or Her Pattern of Maladaptive Alcohol UseThe applicant did not demonstrate a clear pattern of modified consumption or abstinence.
Key Rule Quoted
“An applicant has the ultimate burden of demonstrating that it is clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue his security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 25, 2018
- Answer filedJun 16, 2018
- Hearing heldMay 21, 2019
- Decision dateJan 28, 2020
Cite For
- Denial Based on History of Alcohol-related Incidents Under Guideline G
- Financial Irresponsibility and Failure to Meet Obligations Under Guideline F
- Lack of Candor and Questionable Judgment Under Guideline E