Summary
A 37-year-old electrical test engineer was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The denial stemmed from her past illegal drug use and intentional falsification of information on security clearance applications. Specifically, the applicant admitted to experimenting with marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and cocaine approximately seven times over a four-year period, with her last use occurring four years prior to the decision. Critically, some of this drug use occurred while she held a security clearance.
Further concerns arose from the applicant's intentional falsification of her SF-86 on August 11, 2009, regarding her drug use. She also intentionally failed to disclose information about her drug use during a 2009 or 2010 personal subject interview and intentionally denied the reasons for a prior security clearance revocation when completing her e-QIP on February 1, 2011.
While the applicant demonstrated positive work performance, underwent a psychological evaluation indicating no substance dependence, and stated she had changed her friends to avoid drug users, these mitigating factors were insufficient. The DOHA decision emphasized that her drug use while holding a security clearance and her intentional falsification of information on multiple occasions raised significant trustworthiness and credibility concerns, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant used illegal drugs while holding a security clearance, which raised significant trustworthiness concerns.
- The applicant intentionally falsified her answers on the SF-86 and during the personal subject interview, undermining her credibility.
Conditions Referenced
- H.25(a)raisedDrug Abuse
- H.25(c)raisedIllegal Drug Possession
- H.25(g)raisedIllegal Drug Use After Clearance Granted
- E.16(a)raisedDeliberate Falsification
- E.16(b)raisedProviding False Information
- H.26(a)rejectedBehavior Occurred Long AgoThe applicant's drug use occurred while she held a security clearance, indicating a breach of trust.
- H.26(b)appliedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse DrugsThe applicant submitted a notarized statement of intent not to use illegal drugs in the future.
- E.17(a)rejectedPrompt Efforts to Correct OmissionsThe applicant's admissions came long after the falsifications were made.
- E.17(d)appliedAcknowledgment of BehaviorThe applicant has been honest about her past drug use and falsifications since her admission.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 22, 2013
- Answer filedMay 21, 2013
- Hearing heldNov 19, 2013Due to Federal Government shutdown, hearing was rescheduled.
- Decision dateDec 4, 2013
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Impact of Intentional Falsification on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline E
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions