Summary
A 54-year-old male applicant was denied a security clearance due to significant concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), F (Financial Considerations), G (Alcohol Consumption), H (Drug Involvement), and J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a history of alcohol dependence, drug use, financial irresponsibility, and a failure to disclose past drug use to investigators.
The applicant's history included multiple alcohol-related incidents, such as beginning alcohol consumption at age 13, numerous DUI/DWI arrests between 1976 and 2000, and hospital admissions for alcohol poisoning in 2005 and 2008. He also had a history of marijuana, cocaine, and oxycontin use, including using marijuana as recently as September 2006, which he failed to disclose to investigators in July 2008. His U.S. Army security clearance was revoked twice, in 1997 and 1998, due to alcohol dependence, illegal drug use, and deliberate falsification of facts.
Financially, the applicant filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2005 and had several outstanding debts, including $150 to a hospital, $2,928 on a medical account, and $19,928 to a bank. His income was garnished for child support starting in January 2008, and he owed a Department of Defense agency $5,600.41 for advanced sick leave. Despite claims of sobriety since 2008 and positive character references, the judge found the applicant's extensive history of substance abuse and financial issues raised significant security concerns, leading to the denial.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of alcohol dependence and multiple alcohol-related driving arrests.
- He failed to disclose past drug use to government investigators, undermining his credibility.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were exacerbated by his alcoholism, leading to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- G.2.araisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.2.braisedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- G.2.craisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G.2.draisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- G.2.fraisedRelapse After Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- J.4raisedCriminal Conduct
- E.5raisedFailure to Disclose Information to Government Investigators
- F.2.arejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago or Was InfrequentThe applicant's financial issues were not infrequent and were ongoing.
- F.2.brejectedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's alcoholism contributed significantly to his financial issues.
- G.3.arejectedSo Much Time Has Passed or Behavior Was InfrequentThe applicant's history of alcohol-related incidents is extensive and ongoing.
- G.3.brejectedSuccessful Completion of a Treatment ProgramThe applicant's multiple relapses undermine claims of successful treatment.
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 issuedApr 12, 2011
- Answer filedMay 23, 2011
- Hearing heldNov 18, 2011
- Decision dateApr 9, 2012
Cite For
- Denial Based on Extensive History of Alcohol-related Incidents
- Failure to Disclose Drug Use Undermining Credibility
- Financial Irresponsibility Linked to Substance Abuse Issues