Summary
A 51-year-old former U.S. Air Force member was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline H (Drug Involvement), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a significant history of criminal conduct, drug involvement, and a lack of candor in his security clearance application (SCA).
The applicant's criminal history included a 1985 felony arrest and conviction for Hit and Run-Personal Injury, resulting in a suspended three-year confinement, three years probation, a $502 fine, and 36 days in confinement. He also had a 1997 arrest and conviction for being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, a 2002 arrest and no-contest plea for the same offense, and a 2004 arrest for DUI Alcohol/Drugs with Bodily Injury and Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance.
Regarding drug involvement, the applicant admitted to marijuana use from 1970-1975, cocaine use between 1975-1977, and methamphetamine use on at least one occasion in 2002 or 2003. He was diagnosed as amphetamine dependent in 2003. Critically, the applicant failed to disclose his 1985 felony conviction and his 1997 and 2004 drug-related arrests on his February 23, 2006 SCA, despite questions specifically asking about felony offenses and drug/alcohol-related charges. The Administrative Judge concluded that this pattern of criminal behavior and dishonesty was inconsistent with national security interests.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a significant pattern of criminal behavior, including multiple arrests for drug-related offenses.
- The applicant was found to have been dishonest in his security clearance application, failing to disclose relevant criminal history.
- The applicant's drug use history, particularly with methamphetamine, raised serious concerns about his reliability and judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 31(a)appliedCriminal Conduct
- DC 25(a)appliedDrug Involvement
- DC 16(a)appliedPersonal Conduct
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 21, 2008
- Answer filedAug 7, 2008
- Hearing heldNov 6, 2008in San Diego, California
- Decision dateJan 23, 2009
Cite For
- Pattern of Criminal Behavior Under Guideline J
- Dishonesty in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Drug Involvement Concerns Under Guideline H