Summary
A 31-year-old senior engineer was denied a security clearance under Guideline H (Drug Involvement) due to his admitted marijuana use while holding a clearance. The Statement of Reasons alleged two specific instances of marijuana use: in May 2013 and February 2014. These actions raised concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness, citing Disqualifying Conditions AG ¶ 25(a), AG ¶ 25(c), and AG ¶ 25(g).
The applicant acknowledged his drug use and stated he sought therapy for depression. However, the decision noted that he failed to provide sufficient corroborating evidence to support his claims regarding therapy or a sustained change in behavior. Despite the application of Mitigating Conditions AG ¶ 26(a), AG ¶ 26(b), and AG ¶ 26(d), these were deemed insufficient.
The denial was based on the applicant's knowing use of marijuana on two occasions while cleared, which is both illegal and prohibited. This behavior ultimately raised significant doubts about his reliability, trustworthiness, and good judgment, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant used marijuana on two occasions while holding a security clearance, knowing it was illegal and prohibited.
- He did not provide corroborating evidence of his claims regarding therapy or a change in behavior.
- The applicant's marijuana use raised doubts about his reliability, trustworthiness, and good judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Drug Possession
- AG ¶ 25(g)raisedAny Illegal Drug Use After Being Granted a Security Clearance
- AG ¶ 26(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Happened Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to RecurApplicant's marijuana use was not recent enough to mitigate concerns due to his conscious decisions to use it despite knowing it was illegal.
- AG ¶ 26(b)rejectedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs in the FutureApplicant did not provide evidence of disassociating from drug-using associates or changing his environment.
- AG ¶ 26(d)rejectedSatisfactory Completion of a Prescribed Drug Treatment ProgramInsufficient evidence of treatment or prognosis was provided.
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 issuedMar 1, 2016
- Answer filedApr 15, 2016Applicant elected to proceed without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Case decided on the written record.
- Decision dateMar 29, 2017
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Drug Use While Holding a Security Clearance
- Importance of Corroborating Evidence in Mitigating Circumstances for Security Clearance Cases.