Summary
A 38-year-old engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had a history of illegal drug use, admitting to daily marijuana use from 1994 to 2009. He also failed to disclose his drug use on previous security clearance applications.
Specific allegations included knowingly failing to disclose illegal drug use, including while holding a security clearance. The applicant provided a false end date for his marijuana use on a 2010 application and did not disclose the use of several other illegal substances or prescription drugs without a prescription during a 2010 interview. He also deliberately misled his Facility Security Officer (FSO) about when he stopped using illegal drugs. Further issues involved possession and cultivation of illegal drugs, use of substances like LSD and opium, and misuse of prescription drugs.
The denial was based on the applicant's admitted illegal drug use while holding a clearance, providing false information on applications, and a long history of drug use that raised serious doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness. While one mitigating condition was applied, it was insufficient to overcome the disqualifying conditions.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to illegal drug use while holding a security clearance.
- He provided false information on security clearance applications regarding his drug use.
- The applicant's long history of drug use raised serious doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Drug Possession, Including Cultivation, Processing, Manufacture, Purchase, Sale, or Distribution
- AG ¶ 25(g)raisedAny Illegal Drug Use After Being Granted a Security Clearance
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 16(b)raisedDeliberately Providing False or Misleading Information
- AG ¶ 26(b)appliedA Demonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the FutureThe applicant has abstained from marijuana use for more than two years.
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance decision is intended only to resolve whether it is clearly consistent with the national interest for an applicant to either receive or continue to have access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 2, 2012
- Answer filedMay 20, 2012
- Hearing held—Applicant requested a decision without a hearing.
- Decision dateSep 17, 2012
Cite For
- Denial Based on Long-term Illegal Drug Use Under Guideline H
- Failure to Disclose Drug Use on Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Impact of Dishonesty on Security Clearance Eligibility