Summary
A 26-year-old Project Manager with a Bachelor's degree was denied a security clearance under Guideline H (Drug Involvement) due to an extensive history of illegal drug use. The Statement of Reasons detailed the applicant's use of various controlled substances, including marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogenic mushrooms, LSD, and unprescribed prescription medications such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Tramadol, Vicodin, and Xanax.
Specific allegations included using and purchasing cocaine nine times from approximately 2015 to April 2021, and hallucinogenic mushrooms three times from September 2016 to March 2021. The applicant also used and purchased unprescribed Adderall and Vyvanse from about August 2016 to November 2018, and LSD on two occasions in 2017. Additionally, the applicant sold marijuana in 2017 and used unprescribed Xanax in August 2015.
The denial was based on the applicant's extensive history of illegal drug use, which continued even after being hired by a defense contractor and applying for a security clearance. The judge determined that the applicant's claims of abstinence since March 2022 and positive character references were insufficient to mitigate concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had an extensive history of illegal drug use, including marijuana, cocaine, and prescription medications not prescribed to him.
- The applicant continued to use illegal drugs even after being hired by a defense contractor and applying for a security clearance.
- The applicant's claims of abstinence and positive character references did not mitigate the concerns regarding his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 24raisedDrug Involvement and Substance Misuse
- 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
Key Rule Quoted
“The illegal use of controlled substances, to include the misuse of prescription and non-prescription drugs, and the use of other substances that cause physical or mental impairment or are used in a manner inconsistent with their intended purpose can raise questions about an individual's reliability and trustworthiness.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 15, 2023
- Answer filedApr 10, 2023
- Hearing heldJun 22, 2023
- Decision dateAug 8, 2023
Cite For
- Extensive History of Illegal Drug Use Under Guideline H
- Failure to Mitigate Drug Involvement Concerns
- Impact of Illegal Drug Use on Reliability and Trustworthiness