Summary
A 30-year-old college graduate, employed as an auditor and accountant for a defense contractor, was denied eligibility for access to classified information. The denial was based on concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement).
The applicant admitted to using marijuana on at least one occasion while holding a Top Secret DOD security clearance. Furthermore, she falsified information on her e-QIP, completed on July 31, 2014, by incorrectly answering "no" to a question about drug use within the last seven years. She also provided false material facts during her Personnel Security Interview (PSI), stating she had only used marijuana once in 2009.
The judge determined that the applicant's admitted marijuana use while holding a clearance, coupled with her lack of candor in providing false information on her e-QIP and during the PSI, demonstrated a lack of good judgment and reliability. These actions were not sufficiently mitigated, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to using marijuana while holding a security clearance.
- She provided false information on her e-QIP and during a security interview regarding her drug use.
- The applicant's actions demonstrated a lack of good judgment and reliability.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 16(b)raisedDeliberately Providing False or Misleading Information
- AG ¶ 16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- AG ¶ 17(a)rejectedPrompt, Good-faith Efforts to Correct the OmissionThe applicant did not make consistent efforts to provide truthful information.
- AG ¶ 17(b)rejectedFailure to Cooperate Caused by Legal AdviceThere was no evidence that her actions were due to legal advice.
- AG ¶ 17(c)rejectedMinor Offense or Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's drug use and dishonesty were not considered minor offenses.
- AG ¶ 17(d)rejectedAcknowledgment of Behavior and CounselingThe applicant did not demonstrate acknowledgment or seek counseling.
- AG ¶ 17(e)rejectedPositive Steps to Reduce VulnerabilityThe applicant did not take steps to mitigate her behavior.
- AG ¶ 17(f)rejectedInformation Was Unsubstantiated or From Questionable SourcesThe applicant's admissions were credible and substantiated.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 11, 2017
- Answer filedMay 18, 2017Applicant admitted to drug use and providing false information.
- Hearing held—Applicant requested consideration on the record.
- Decision dateNov 29, 2017
Cite For
- Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Disqualifying Conditions Related to Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Whole-person Assessment in Security Clearance Determinations