Summary
A 26-year-old technical support engineer was denied a security clearance under Guideline H (Drug Involvement) due to an extensive history of illegal drug use and substance misuse. The Statement of Reasons detailed his use and purchase of cocaine from 2011 to 2015, and the recreational misuse of prescribed Xanax during the same period. Additionally, he sold Adderall between 2013 and 2015.
Disqualifying conditions related to illegal drug involvement and misuse of prescription drugs were raised. While mitigating conditions concerning the passage of time and the absence of recent drug involvement were considered, the judge ultimately found them insufficient.
The denial was based on the applicant's extensive history of illegal drug use, including cocaine and marijuana, and misuse of prescription drugs. A key factor was the most recent misuse of Xanax in November 2016, which occurred after his security clearance application was submitted. The applicant had not undergone any drug treatment or counseling, leading to concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has an extensive history of illegal drug use, including cocaine and marijuana, and misuse of prescription drugs.
- The most recent misuse of Xanax occurred in November 2016, after the security clearance application was submitted.
- The applicant has not undergone any drug treatment or counseling, raising concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedAny Substance Abuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- AG ¶ 26(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's drug use was recent and occurred multiple times over several years.
- AG ¶ 26(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Drug Involvement and Evidence of Actions Taken to Overcome the ProblemThe applicant did not provide evidence of actions taken to overcome his substance misuse.
Key Rule Quoted
“the clearly consistent standard indicates that security clearance determinations should err, if they must, on the side of denials.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 7, 2016After reviewing the application and background investigation.
- Answer filedJan 11, 2017Applicant admitted most allegations.
- Hearing heldApr 26, 2017Applicant testified and presented evidence.
- Decision dateJan 5, 2018
Cite For
- Denial Based on Extensive History of Drug Use Under Guideline H
- Recent Substance Misuse Impacting Security Clearance Eligibility
- Lack of Evidence for Rehabilitation or Treatment in Substance Misuse Cases