Summary
A 22-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The applicant had a history of alcohol-related incidents and failed to fully disclose these on his security clearance application.
Specific incidents included a 2003 arrest for theft of beer, a 2004 citation for underage consumption, and a May 2007 charge for providing liquor to a minor. In November 2007, he was charged with multiple alcohol-related driving offenses, pleading guilty to driving with a 0.08% or higher blood alcohol content and receiving three years of probation. The applicant admitted to consuming alcohol to excess from approximately 2002 or 2003 until at least September 2009.
Despite demonstrating contrition and some behavioral changes, the judge found that the applicant had not sufficiently mitigated the concerns. He was still on probation for a DUI at the time of the hearing, and his admission of excessive drinking as late as September 2009 did not alleviate the alcohol consumption concerns. Additionally, his incomplete disclosure on the application raised doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had multiple alcohol-related incidents, including a DUI, and was still on probation at the time of the hearing.
- The applicant failed to fully disclose his criminal history on his security clearance application, which raised concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant admitted to drinking to excess as late as September 2009, which did not mitigate the concerns under Guideline G.
Conditions Referenced
- G.22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E.16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- G.23(a)rejectedTime Has Passed or Behavior Was InfrequentThe applicant's alcohol-related incidents were recent and he was still on probation.
- G.23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcohol Issues and Evidence of Actions TakenThe applicant had not established a pattern of abstinence or responsible use.
- G.23(c)appliedParticipation in Counseling or Treatment ProgramThe applicant completed counseling but continued to drink excessively.
- G.23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of Counseling or RehabilitationThe applicant was still on probation and had not demonstrated a clear pattern of modified consumption.
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 issuedJun 15, 2010
- Answer filed—
- Hearing heldSep 14, 2010
- Decision dateOct 25, 2010
Cite For
- Disqualifying Conditions Related to Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Failure to Disclose Relevant Facts Under Guideline E
- The Importance of Demonstrating a Pattern of Responsible Behavior for Mitigating Alcohol-related Concerns