Summary
A 37-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had several financial issues, including a charged-off auto loan for $15,574, an unpaid judgment for $1,281, two delinquent medical debts totaling $1,356, and three miscellaneous delinquent debts totaling $734. Additionally, the applicant admitted to using Percocet without a prescription in 2009 while holding a clearance, using spice while holding a clearance, smoking marijuana before and after military enlistment, and using cocaine on one occasion.
While the applicant successfully mitigated the financial and drug-related concerns, he failed to mitigate issues related to personal conduct. Specifically, the applicant was found to have deliberately omitted, concealed, or falsified relevant facts during the security clearance process, and provided false or misleading information to an investigator.
The denial was primarily based on the applicant intentionally providing false information during his background interview regarding his drug use. This conduct continued to cast doubt on his reliability, trustworthiness, and good judgment, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant intentionally provided false information during his background interview regarding his drug use.
- The applicant's conduct continues to cast doubt on his reliability, trustworthiness, and good judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.aappliedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- E2.bappliedDeliberately Providing False or Misleading Information
- F20.aappliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- H20.aappliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Happened Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- F20.dappliedThe Individual Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- H20.bappliedThe Individual Acknowledges His or Her Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse, Provides Evidence of Actions Taken to Overcome This Problem
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 17, 2017
- Answer filedAug 14, 2017
- Hearing heldJan 31, 2018
- Decision dateApr 19, 2018
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Personal Conduct Concerns Under Guideline E
- Impact of Dishonesty on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Mitigation of Financial and Drug-related Concerns Under Guidelines F and H