Summary
A 28-year-old case management team leader for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline H (Drug Involvement) due to a long history of illegal drug use. The Statement of Reasons detailed multiple instances of drug use and acquisition, including marijuana from 1998 to 2014, hashish from 2005 to 2009, cocaine in 2000, LSD in 2005, and hallucinogenic mushrooms between 2003 and 2004. Additionally, the applicant used prescription Dexadrine without a prescription from August to December 2010 and purchased marijuana from 1998 to 2014.
The decision cited disqualifying conditions H.1.a and H.1.c, which address a history of illegal drug use and recent illegal drug use, respectively. While mitigating conditions H.2.a, H.2.b, H.2.c, and H.2.d were considered, they were not sufficient to overcome the security concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's admitted extensive and continued illegal drug use over a 16-year period, with the last reported use occurring in March 2014, after he began working for a defense contractor. The judge found that the applicant failed to provide corroborating evidence to support his claims of leading a drug-free life or disassociating from drug-using associates, despite submitting a signed statement of intent.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to extensive and continued illegal drug use over a 16-year period.
- The applicant's last drug use occurred in March 2014, after he began employment with a defense contractor.
- The applicant failed to provide corroborating evidence of his claims to lead a drug-free life or disassociate from drug-using associates.
Conditions Referenced
- H.1.araisedAny Drug Abuse
- H.1.craisedIllegal Drug Possession or Sale or Distribution
- H.2.arejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Happened Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur or Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual’s Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good JudgmentThe applicant's last drug use was in March 2014, which is considered recent.
- H.2.brejectedA Demonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the FutureThe applicant's claims of intent were not corroborated by evidence.
- H.2.cnotedAbuse of Prescription Drugs Was After a Severe or Prolonged Illness During Which These Drugs Were Prescribed, and Abuse Has Since Ended
- H.2.dnotedSatisfactory Completion of a Prescribed Drug Treatment Program
Key Rule Quoted
“The ultimate determination of whether to grant eligibility for a security clearance must be an overall commonsense judgment based upon careful consideration of the guidelines and the whole-person concept.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 15, 2014
- Answer filedSep 10, 2014Applicant elected to proceed without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Decision based on written record.
- Decision dateFeb 10, 2015
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Extensive Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Drug-related Security Concerns
- Importance of Corroborating Evidence in Drug Involvement Cases