Summary
A 25-year-old senior auditor with a history of substance misuse was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant's Statement of Reasons detailed extensive drug use, including marijuana from June 2009 to March 2015, illegal stimulants and hallucinogens from June 2012 to May 2013, and cocaine in May 2014. Notably, the applicant admitted to using illegal drugs while already holding a security clearance.
Regarding alcohol, the applicant consumed alcohol, at times to excess, from age 17 to at least January 2016. This included citations for underage alcohol possession in April 2010 and September 2012. In July 2011, the applicant was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), speeding, driving with a restricted license, and possessing a false identification card, leading to court-ordered outpatient alcohol counseling. The personal conduct guideline also cross-alleged the same conduct as the drug involvement and substance misuse guideline.
Despite completing a treatment program and providing good character references, the judge determined that the applicant's drug involvement and substance misuse were not sufficiently mitigated. The denial was based on the applicant's admitted extensive drug use, including while holding a clearance, with the most recent use occurring in early 2016, which was considered too recent. Additionally, the admissions of drug use and a prior theft conviction raised concerns about the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to extensive drug use, including marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine, while holding a security clearance.
- The applicant's most recent drug use occurred in early 2016, which was deemed too recent to mitigate security concerns.
- The applicant's admissions of drug use and a prior theft conviction raised questions about her reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- HraisedDrug Involvement and Substance Misuse
- EraisedPersonal Conduct
- GraisedAlcohol Consumption
- HrejectedDrug Involvement and Substance MisuseThe applicant's efforts at rehabilitation were acknowledged, but more time without drug use was necessary to mitigate concerns.
- ErejectedPersonal ConductThe applicant's history of drug use and a theft conviction were significant factors against mitigation.
- GrejectedAlcohol ConsumptionThe applicant's alcohol use history and lack of a clear treatment recommendation for abstinence were concerning.
Key Rule Quoted
“"Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of the national security."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 22, 2016
- Answer filedNov 11, 2016
- Hearing heldOct 30, 2017
- Decision dateJan 8, 2018
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Recent Drug Involvement
- Impact of Personal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Time Elapsed Since Substance Misuse for Mitigation