Summary
A 28-year-old contracts administrator was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), H (Drug Involvement), and J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from multiple issues, including illegal marijuana use, alcohol-related arrests, and falsifications on her security clearance application.
Specifically, the applicant was arrested for DUI in 2012 and again in October 2016, though there was no record evidence of alcohol impairment in the latter instance. She illegally purchased and used marijuana while holding a security clearance, tested positive for marijuana after her October 2016 arrest, and illegally possessed it at that time. Furthermore, she stated an intent to use marijuana again prior to this arrest.
Despite some mitigating factors related to her alcohol consumption, the applicant's recent drug use and her failure to seek help for emotional distress or substance use issues were key reasons for the denial. Her conduct ultimately raised doubts about her reliability and judgment, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant engaged in illegal drug use while possessing a security clearance.
- The applicant did not seek counseling or support to address her emotional distress or substance use issues.
- The applicant's conduct raised doubts about her reliability and judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- H.25.araisedSubstance Misuse
- H.25.braisedTesting Positive for an Illegal Drug
- H.25.craisedIllegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
- H.25.fraisedIllegal Drug Use While Granted Access to Classified Information
- J.31.araisedPattern of Minor Offenses
- J.31.braisedEvidence of Criminal Conduct
- G.23.aappliedTime Has Passed Since the Conduct
- G.23.bappliedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Issues
- H.26.arejectedBehavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's recent drug use and lack of steps to prevent recurrence do not support this condition.
- H.26.brejectedAcknowledgment of Drug InvolvementWhile the applicant acknowledged her drug use, she did not take sufficient actions to mitigate the concerns.
- J.32.arejectedTime Elapsed Since Criminal BehaviorThe applicant's recent conduct and lack of evidence of rehabilitation do not support this condition.
- J.32.drejectedEvidence of Successful RehabilitationThe applicant has not demonstrated steps to reduce the likelihood of future criminal behavior.
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 issuedJan 3, 2018
- Answer filedJan 3, 2018
- Hearing heldJun 12, 2018
- Decision dateJul 23, 2018
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Illegal Drug Use While Holding a Clearance
- Mitigating Factors for Alcohol Consumption but Not for Drug Involvement
- Failure to Seek Help for Emotional Distress Impacting Security Clearance Eligibility