Summary
A 48-year-old federal contractor was denied a public trust position due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant's history included excessive alcohol use since at least November 2005, continuing until at least May 2023, with current consumption to the point of intoxication three or four times a week. This pattern included OWI arrests in November 2005 and September 2022. Additionally, the applicant began consuming alcohol around age 13, leading to a six-week inpatient adolescent treatment.
Regarding drug involvement, the applicant used marijuana/THC with varying frequency from about August 1987 until at least March 2023. A felony arrest for possession with intent to deliver/manufacture a controlled substance occurred in January 1995. In her January 2023 application, the applicant stated an intent to continue using marijuana/THC.
The denial was based on the applicant's admitted long history of excessive alcohol consumption and multiple OWI arrests, coupled with her current pattern of frequent intoxication. Furthermore, the applicant did not demonstrate a commitment to abstain from drug use, specifically Delta-8, which is federally considered a controlled substance. Despite providing character references, the applicant's ongoing substance use and lack of acknowledgment of its severity led to the denial of her eligibility.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to a long history of excessive alcohol consumption and multiple arrests for operating while intoxicated.
- The applicant's current alcohol consumption pattern includes drinking to intoxication several times a week, raising concerns about her reliability and judgment.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a commitment to abstain from drug use, specifically Delta-8, which is considered a controlled substance under federal law.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 25(a)appliedSubstance Misuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)appliedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- AG ¶ 25(g)appliedExpressed Intent to Continue Drug Involvement
Key Rule Quoted
“The Federal government must be able to repose a high degree of trust and confidence in persons granted access to protected information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 1, 2023
- Answer filedSep 12, 2023
- Hearing heldJan 24, 2024
- Decision dateMar 5, 2024
Cite For
- Trustworthiness Concerns Related to Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Trustworthiness Concerns Related to Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- The Importance of Acknowledging and Addressing Substance Use Issues for Public Trust Eligibility