Summary
A 50-year-old electrical engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant's history of alcohol-related issues spanned from approximately 1983 to 2018, including multiple arrests and charges.
Specific incidents included a December 2014 arrest for DWI 1st, followed by a December 2015 arrest for DWI 2nd offense, refusal to take a breathalyzer, restricted license violation, and driving after license forfeiture. In April 2016, the applicant was charged with public swearing and intoxication, for which he was found guilty in April 2018 and required to pay a fine and court costs. The applicant admitted to all these allegations.
Despite completing treatment and receiving positive employer recommendations, the clearance was denied. The decision cited the applicant's extensive history of alcohol-related problems, his ongoing probation at the time of the hearing, and a relapse in March 2018, which collectively raised significant doubts about his reliability and judgment.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of alcohol-related problems from 1983 to 2018, including multiple DWI convictions and public intoxication incidents.
- The applicant was still on probation at the time of the hearing, indicating ongoing legal issues.
- The applicant experienced a relapse in March 2018, which undermined his claims of rehabilitation and sobriety.
Conditions Referenced
- G 21raisedAlcohol Consumption
- G 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G 22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G 22(d)appliedDiagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder
- G 22(e)appliedFailure to Follow Treatment Advice
- J 30raisedCriminal Conduct
- J 31(b)appliedEvidence of Criminal Conduct
- J 31(c)appliedCurrently on Probation
- G 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Use and Actions TakenWhile the applicant acknowledged his alcohol issues and sought treatment, the recent relapse undermined the effectiveness of these actions.
- G 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Treatment ProgramDespite completing treatment, the applicant's relapse and ongoing legal issues indicated insufficient rehabilitation.
- J 32(d)rejectedEvidence of Successful RehabilitationThe applicant's recent relapse and continued legal troubles did not demonstrate successful rehabilitation.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 21, 2017
- Answer filedAug 10, 2017
- Hearing heldSep 6, 2018
- Decision dateOct 29, 2018
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Ongoing Alcohol-related Issues
- Impact of Criminal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Failure to Demonstrate Successful Rehabilitation After Multiple Incidents