Summary
A 26-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline H (Drug Involvement) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The applicant had a history of illegal drug use, beginning with marijuana in 1997 and continuing through early 2009, typically a couple of times a week. During this period, he also used cocaine, methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, and ecstasy, each about once or twice. In approximately June 2006, he was arrested in a state forest and charged with possession/use of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of a fire ban, and criminal littering/polluting.
A significant concern was the applicant's intentional falsification of his SF 86 security clearance application. He omitted his use of other drugs and incorrectly listed the end date of his marijuana use as June 2006, failing to divulge the full extent of his drug use.
Despite the applicant's abstinence from drug use since early 2009 and his truthfulness during an OPM interview, the judge found that his past conduct, particularly the extensive drug use and intentional falsification, raised substantial doubts about his judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a long history of illegal drug use, including marijuana and other controlled substances.
- He intentionally falsified his SF 86 by omitting the full extent of his drug use.
- Concerns about his judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness remained despite his abstinence from drugs since early 2009.
Conditions Referenced
- H.25.araisedAny Drug Abuse
- H.25.craisedIllegal Drug Possession
- E.16.araisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification
- E.16.eraisedPersonal Conduct Creating Vulnerability
- H.26.brejectedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs in the FutureThe applicant's extensive drug use and falsification of his SF 86 raised doubts about his reliability.
- E.17.eappliedPositive Steps to Reduce VulnerabilityThe applicant's honesty during the OPM interview and abstinence from drug use were noted as positive steps.
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 issuedMay 7, 2010
- Answer filedMay 27, 2010Applicant elected to proceed without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Case decided on the written record.
- Decision dateOct 13, 2010
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Extensive Drug Involvement
- Impact of Intentional Falsification on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions