Summary
A 30-year-old male engineer was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline H (Drug Involvement) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The Statement of Reasons detailed his marijuana use from approximately June 2004 to July 2017, including purchases and use while holding a security clearance. He also tested positive for marijuana in 2009. Additionally, he received an Other Than Honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force in 2009 and was arrested in approximately 2013 for marijuana possession, resulting in deferred adjudication.
The Administrative Judge applied several mitigating conditions, noting the significant time since his last drug use in mid-2017. The applicant demonstrated rehabilitation through community involvement and positive character references. His commitment to abstain from illegal substances was further supported by a signed statement of intent.
Ultimately, the Judge determined that the mitigating factors outweighed the disqualifying conditions, leading to the granting of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a significant period of abstinence from drug use since mid-2017.
- He provided evidence of rehabilitation, including community involvement and positive character references.
- The applicant's commitment to abstain from illegal drug use was supported by a signed statement of intent.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 24raisedDrug Involvement and Substance Misuse
- AG ¶ 30raisedCriminal Conduct
- AG ¶ 26(a)appliedDrug Involvement and Substance Misuse
- AG ¶ 26(b)appliedDrug Involvement and Substance Misuse
- AG ¶ 32(a)appliedCriminal Conduct
- AG ¶ 32(d)appliedCriminal Conduct
Key Rule Quoted
“An administrative judge must consider all available and reliable information about the person, past and present, favorable and unfavorable.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 2, 2020
- Answer filedunknown
- Hearing heldApr 8, 2021
- Decision dateMay 10, 2021
Cite For
- Mitigation of Drug Involvement Under Guideline H Due to Significant Time Elapsed Since Last Use
- Successful Rehabilitation Evidenced by Community Involvement and Positive Character References
- Mitigation of Criminal Conduct Under Guideline J Based on Time Elapsed and Evidence of Good Behavior