Summary
A 23-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance under Guideline H (Drug Involvement) due to extensive past drug use and distribution between March 2005 and February 2012. The applicant admitted to using marijuana approximately 500 times, LSD and psilocybin mushrooms about 10 times each, and hashish, ecstasy, and cocaine once each. Additionally, he admitted to recreational use of three different prescription medications five times, none of which were prescribed to him. During this period, he also illegally purchased and sold marijuana, LSD, psilocybin, and cocaine on multiple occasions.
While the applicant stated his intent to remain drug-free since February 2012 and moved to a new state away from his college campus, the judge found insufficient evidence of rehabilitation. He had not participated in any drug treatment program, nor was he ever diagnosed with drug dependence or recommended for treatment. Although he had never tested positive for drugs and was forthright in disclosing his past involvement, his seven years of extensive drug abuse outweighed his recent abstinence.
The judge concluded that the applicant had not yet persuasively demonstrated that recurrence was unlikely, particularly in his new surroundings. The absence of corroborating evidence, such as workplace drug testing or supervisor attestations, precluded a finding of rehabilitation or permanent behavioral change. Consequently, the security clearance was denied due to lingering doubts about his present eligibility and suitability.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant admitted to extensive drug abuse and distribution over several years, raising significant security concerns.
- The applicant's claims of having stopped drug use were not supported by corroborating evidence of rehabilitation or compliance with security policies.
- The applicant's past behavior and lack of evidence demonstrating a reliable change in conduct led to doubts about his current trustworthiness.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedDrug Abuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Drug Possession
- AG ¶ 26(a)appliedBehavior Happened Long AgoThe applicant's drug use ended in February 2012, establishing some mitigation due to the passage of time.
- AG ¶ 26(b)appliedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs in the FutureThe applicant expressed a credible intent to remain drug-free.
Key rule quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedFeb 28, 2014
- Answer filedMar 28, 2014Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing was held; decision made on the written record.
- Decision dateJul 28, 2014
Cite for
- Security Concerns Related to Extensive Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Mitigation Factors Regarding Past Drug Use and Intent to Remain Drug-free
- The Importance of Corroborating Evidence in Establishing Rehabilitation and Trustworthiness