Summary
A 29-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline H (Drug Involvement) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The applicant admitted to extensive drug use and falsifying information on his January 17, 2024, SF-86 application.
Specifically, the applicant admitted to using marijuana thousands of times over a 15-year period, from December 2008 until at least May 2024. He also admitted to using cocaine approximately a thousand times during a seven-year period, from June 2014 to at least May 2021. On his SF-86, he falsely answered "No" to questions regarding illegal drug use.
The administrative judge determined that the applicant's admissions of drug use and dishonesty undermined his reliability and trustworthiness. The applicant did not demonstrate rehabilitation or a commitment to abstain from drug use, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to extensive drug use, including marijuana and cocaine, over several years.
- The applicant falsified his security clearance application by denying future drug use, despite intentions to continue using marijuana.
- The applicant did not demonstrate rehabilitation or a commitment to abstain from drug use.
Conditions Referenced
- H.25.aappliedSubstance Misuse
- H.25.cappliedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- H.25.gappliedExpressed Intent to Continue Drug Involvement
- E.16.aappliedDeliberate Omission or Falsification
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 25, 2024
- Answer filedJul 31, 2024
- Hearing heldSep 30, 2024
- Decision dateJan 13, 2025
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Extensive Drug Use Under Guideline H
- Falsification of Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E
- Importance of Demonstrating Rehabilitation and Intent to Abstain From Drug Use