Summary
A 29-year-old researcher was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had a history of illegal drug use and falsified information on an Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing (EQIP) certified on January 16, 2009, specifically regarding illegal drug use.
Allegations included the applicant's use of marijuana, LSD, mushrooms, cocaine, Adderall, MDMA (molly), opium, and OxyContin, some of which occurred while holding a security clearance. Furthermore, the applicant expressed an intent to continue drug involvement, failed to complete a substance abuse course, and had a diagnosed substance use disorder.
The denial was based on the applicant's admitted extensive illegal drug use while holding a clearance, the falsification of information on the security clearance application concerning drug use, and the expressed intent to continue using marijuana in the future under certain circumstances. The judge found that the applicant did not mitigate the security concerns due to ongoing drug use and a lack of credible commitment to abstain from illegal substances.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to extensive illegal drug use while holding a security clearance.
- The applicant falsified information on his security clearance application regarding his drug use.
- The applicant expressed an intent to continue using marijuana in the future under certain circumstances.
Conditions Referenced
- H.25.araisedSubstance Misuse
- H.25.craisedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- H.25.fraisedIllegal Drug Use While Granted Access to Classified Information
- H.25.graisedExpressed Intent to Continue Drug Involvement
- E.16.araisedDeliberate Omission or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- E.16.braisedDeliberately Providing False or Misleading Information
- H.26.brejectedAcknowledgment of Drug Involvement and Actions Taken to Overcome ItThe applicant did not provide evidence of completion of a substance abuse course or rehabilitation.
- E.17.drejectedAcknowledgment of Behavior and Obtaining CounselingThe applicant claimed to have completed counseling but produced no evidence.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 5, 2016
- Answer filedDec 22, 2016
- Hearing held—Decided on written record.
- Decision dateOct 13, 2017
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Ongoing Illegal Drug Use
- Falsification of Security Clearance Application as a Disqualifying Factor
- Lack of Credible Commitment to Abstain From Illegal Substances as a Security Concern