Summary
A 39-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), H (Drug Involvement), I (Psychological Conditions), and J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant admitted to a history of substance abuse, alcohol-related incidents, and mental health issues, including schizophrenia.
Specific allegations included being fired in February 2022 for sleeping at work and displaying aggressive behavior toward a coworker. He received an other than honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps in May 2010 for unauthorized absences. The applicant had multiple arrests, including for assault after consuming alcohol in 2004 or 2005, two DUIs in 2008 and 2012, and possession of marijuana while driving and disturbing the peace in 2005. He was also sent home from work in October 2019 for smelling of alcohol.
The applicant admitted to extensive drug use, including marijuana from 1998 to January 2025, hallucinogenic mushrooms from November 1999 to January 2025, cocaine from February 2000 to March 2024, methamphetamines from July 2001 to October 2015, and heroin from January 2014 to January 2015. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia in June 2022 and May 2023, and a January 2025 evaluation diagnosed a thought disorder, likely schizophrenia or a substance-induced psychotic disorder. The judge concluded that the applicant did not mitigate the security concerns, leading to the denial.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple allegations of substance abuse and alcohol-related incidents.
- He has a history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, which were not adequately controlled or treated.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a commitment to sobriety or provide evidence of rehabilitation efforts.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 28(a)appliedBehavior That Casts Doubt on an Individual's Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness.
- AG ¶ 28(b)appliedAn Opinion by a Duly Qualified Mental Health Professional That the Individual Has a Condition That May Impair Judgment, Stability, Reliability, or Trustworthiness.
- AG ¶ 25(a)appliedAny Substance Misuse.
- AG ¶ 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work.
- AG ¶ 16(c)appliedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas.
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedApr 7, 2025
- Answer filedApr 21, 2025
- Hearing held—Decision made on the written record.
- Decision dateDec 31, 2025
Cite for
- Denial Based on Psychological Conditions Under Guideline I
- Denial Due to Substance Abuse and Alcohol Consumption Under Guidelines H and G
- Consideration of Personal Conduct Issues Under Guideline E