Summary
A 25-year-old IT help desk coordinator was denied a security clearance under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), H (Drug Involvement), and J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a history of criminal conduct, including three alcohol-related offenses between 2001 and 2008. These included a DUI conviction in 2001, a 2004 DWI conviction, and a DWI 2nd Offense arrest in May 2008, which also involved charges of refusal to provide a sample and obstruction of justice.
Additional concerns included multiple misdemeanor charges for driving under suspension and reckless driving. The applicant also failed to disclose his 2003 DWI charge and 2004 DWI conviction on his November 9, 2007, security clearance application. Furthermore, the applicant admitted to using marijuana from 2000 to 2005, and ecstasy and cocaine from 2000 to 2007, including purchasing marijuana in Jamaica in 2002.
Despite starting court-ordered alcohol treatment, the applicant had not completed all requirements and remained on probation. The denial was ultimately based on his failure to acknowledge alcohol dependency, demonstrate sufficient rehabilitation, or establish a clear pattern of abstinence.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant committed three alcohol-related offenses, including a DWI after applying for a security clearance.
- He is still on probation and has not completed all court-ordered alcohol treatment.
- He failed to acknowledge his alcohol dependency and did not demonstrate a clear pattern of abstinence.
Conditions Referenced
- G.2.araisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.2.bnotedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- G.2.cnotedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G.2.dnotedDiagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- G.2.enotedEvaluation of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- G.2.fnotedRelapse After Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- G.2.gnotedFailure to Follow Court Order Regarding Alcohol Treatment
- G.2.aappliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.3.arejectedTime Passed or Infrequent Behavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's recent DWI offenses indicate ongoing issues.
- G.3.brejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Actions TakenThe applicant minimized his alcohol consumption problem.
- G.3.crejectedCurrent Participation in Counseling or TreatmentThe applicant has not completed treatment and has a history of non-compliance.
- G.3.drejectedSuccessful Completion of Counseling or RehabilitationThe applicant has not demonstrated a clear pattern of abstinence.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the Applicant meeting the criteria contained in the revised adjudicative guidelines (AG).”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 29, 2008
- Answer filedOct 1, 2008
- Hearing heldNov 5, 2008Applicant waived 15-day notice.
- Decision dateNov 17, 2008
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Multiple Alcohol-related Offenses
- Failure to Demonstrate Rehabilitation Under Guideline G
- Lack of Acknowledgment of Alcohol Dependency Affecting Security Suitability