Summary
A 48-year-old network administrator and retired U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant sought to retain his security clearance, which was ultimately denied. The denial was based on concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), Guideline H (Drug Involvement), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct).
The applicant had a history of alcohol dependence, diagnosed in April 2001, and multiple DUI/DWI convictions spanning from May 1984 to June 2000. His January 2001 sentence for the final DWI included jail time and a year of probation. Despite completing a rehabilitation program, he failed to comply with treatment recommendations and resumed drinking, failing to establish a pattern of abstinence. Additionally, he used marijuana once in 1999 while holding a clearance and failed to report rental income on tax returns from April 2000 to May 2002.
While some mitigation was applied regarding drug use and financial issues, the applicant did not mitigate the security concerns related to his alcohol abuse. The decision highlighted his history of excessive alcohol consumption, multiple alcohol-related incidents, and failure to maintain abstinence after treatment, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of excessive alcohol consumption and multiple alcohol-related incidents, including DUIs.
- He was diagnosed as alcohol dependent and failed to establish a pattern of abstinence after treatment.
- The applicant resumed drinking after completing his rehabilitation program, contrary to treatment recommendations.
Conditions Referenced
- GraisedAlcohol Consumption
- HraisedDrug Involvement
- JraisedCriminal Conduct
- HappliedDrug InvolvementThe applicant's drug use was infrequent and occurred many years ago, with 18 years of abstinence.
- FappliedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant's failure to report rental income was not indicative of poor judgment or untrustworthiness.
Key Rule Quoted
“The Government has a compelling interest in ensuring each applicant possesses the requisite judgement, reliability, and trustworthiness of those who must protect national interests as their own.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 19, 2009
- Answer filed—
- Hearing heldOct 6, 2009
- Decision dateOct 13, 2010
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Unresolved Alcohol Dependence Issues
- Mitigation of Drug Involvement Concerns Based on Long-term Abstinence
- Financial Considerations Not Impacting Clearance Due to Lack of Intent to Deceive