Summary
A 43-year-old former Air Force sergeant was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), and J (Criminal Conduct). The Statement of Reasons cited four convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), including a second DUI offense and a first DWI offense. The applicant was also on probation until May 2011.
Disqualifying conditions were raised under Guideline G for alcohol consumption and Guideline J for criminal conduct. While some mitigating conditions were applied under both guidelines, they were insufficient to overcome the security concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's pattern of criminal conduct, evidenced by the four DUI/DWI convictions. Her current probation status and multiple relapses raised doubts about her reliability and trustworthiness. Ultimately, the applicant's history of alcohol dependence and inability to maintain a sustained period of sobriety were key factors in the decision to deny the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has four DUI/DWI convictions, indicating a pattern of criminal conduct.
- The applicant is currently on probation and has relapsed multiple times, raising concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant's history of alcohol dependence and failure to establish a sustained period of sobriety contributed to the denial.
Conditions Referenced
- G 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G 22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G 22(d)appliedDiagnosis of Alcohol Dependence
- J 31(a)appliedMultiple Lesser Offenses
- J 31(c)appliedAdmission of Criminal Conduct
- J 31(d)appliedCurrently on Probation
- G 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Actions Taken to Overcome ItThe applicant has had setbacks in her ability to abstain from alcohol consumption.
- G 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Counseling or RehabilitationThe applicant did not complete the alcohol rehabilitation treatment program.
- J 32(a)rejectedTime Elapsed Since Criminal BehaviorThe applicant remains on probation and has not established a sustained period of sobriety.
- J 32(d)rejectedEvidence of Successful RehabilitationThe applicant's rehabilitation is not yet successful due to ongoing alcohol issues.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 9, 2010
- Answer filedSep 21, 2010
- Hearing heldNov 22, 2010Applicant waived the 15-day notice requirement.
- Decision dateJan 5, 2011
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Multiple Alcohol-related Offenses
- Impact of Ongoing Probation on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Failure to Establish a Sustained Period of Sobriety as a Disqualifying Factor