Summary
A 28-year-old welder-training specialist was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant was fired in January 2019 for coming to work under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. He admitted to using marijuana from approximately 2007 to June 2017, and cocaine from January 2017 to January 2019. Additionally, he used heroin from about 2016 to June 2017. Some of this drug use occurred while he had access to classified information.
Further concerns arose from the applicant's personal conduct during the security clearance process. He intentionally failed to disclose his marijuana use in an April 2015 security clearance application and provided false statements to a security investigator about his illegal drug involvement and treatment. He received treatment for cocaine dependence, cannabis abuse, and opioid abuse from about June to July 2017.
While the applicant successfully mitigated concerns related to alcohol consumption, he failed to mitigate those related to drug use and personal conduct. The denial was based on his admitted history of illegal drug use, including while holding a security clearance, and his false statements during the investigation. The applicant did not demonstrate sufficient evidence of rehabilitation or a change in circumstances regarding his drug involvement and personal conduct.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to a history of illegal drug use, including marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, while holding a security clearance.
- The applicant provided false statements during a security investigation regarding his drug use and treatment history.
- The applicant did not demonstrate sufficient evidence of rehabilitation or a change in circumstances regarding his drug involvement and personal conduct.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedSubstance Misuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- AG ¶ 25(d)raisedDiagnosis of Substance Use Disorder
- AG ¶ 25(f)raisedIllegal Drug Use While Holding a Security Clearance
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission or Concealment
- AG ¶ 16(b)raisedProviding False or Misleading Information
- AG ¶ 23(b)appliedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Use and Actions Taken
- AG ¶ 23(d)appliedSuccessful Completion of Treatment Program
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 15, 2021
- Answer filedAug 6, 2021
- Hearing held—Decision made on the written record without a hearing.
- Decision dateJun 2, 2022
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Failure to Demonstrate Rehabilitation in Personal Conduct Under Guideline E
- Successful Mitigation of Alcohol Consumption Concerns Under Guideline G