Summary
A 28-year-old engineering technician was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant admitted to a history of drug use, including cocaine, marijuana, and LSD, as well as the misuse of prescription medication (Norco). Specifically, he used cocaine at least four times between March 2018 and March 2020, used and purchased marijuana from 2006 to March 2020, and used LSD approximately three times from 2013 to 2014. He also misused Norco from April to December 2019.
Further issues arose from his employment history and application. In July 2019, the applicant tested positive for THC, leading to his termination from employment. Crucially, he intentionally falsified his December 20, 2019, security clearance application by failing to disclose drug use that occurred within the preceding seven years. He also admitted to involvement in the illegal purchase of controlled substances.
The denial was based on the applicant's admitted use of illegal drugs over an extended period, his intentional falsification of material facts on his security clearance application regarding drug use, and his failure to demonstrate a commitment to abstain from drug use or to mitigate the security concerns raised. The judge found that these issues raised significant concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to using illegal drugs, including cocaine and marijuana, over an extended period.
- He intentionally falsified material facts on his security clearance application regarding his drug use.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a commitment to abstain from drug use or to mitigate the security concerns raised.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedSubstance Misuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- AG ¶ 25(f)raisedIllegal Drug Use While Holding a Sensitive Position
- AG ¶ 25(g)raisedIntent to Continue Drug Involvement
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission or Falsification
- AG ¶ 16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information
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 issuedOct 20, 2021
- Answer filed—Applicant elected to have his case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—Decision made based on written record.
- Decision dateAug 4, 2022
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Impact of Intentional Falsification on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline E
- Importance of Demonstrating Rehabilitation and Commitment to Abstain From Drug Use in Security Clearance Cases