Summary
A 34-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to significant concerns across multiple guidelines, including Personal Conduct, Financial Considerations, Drug Involvement, and Criminal Conduct. The judge determined that the applicant's unresolved debts, ongoing drug use, and lack of candor during the security clearance process presented unacceptable security risks.
The applicant had numerous unresolved delinquent debts totaling over $40,000, including telecommunication, credit card, student loan, medical, and automobile-related obligations. Additionally, the applicant had a history of illegal drug use, including marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and admitted to selling cocaine for profit. This drug involvement included using marijuana and cocaine while holding a security clearance.
Further concerns arose from the applicant's criminal conduct and lack of candor. The applicant was discharged from the Navy under other than honorable conditions in June 2001 and had multiple convictions, including selling controlled substances, battery, and driving under the influence. During the June 2013 security clearance application, the applicant failed to disclose past cocaine use, criminal charges, probation status, and drug or alcohol-related offenses.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has multiple unresolved delinquent debts totaling over $40,000, indicating financial irresponsibility.
- The applicant has a history of drug abuse, including selling cocaine and using multiple illegal substances while holding a security clearance.
- The applicant provided false information on his security clearance application, failing to disclose significant criminal history.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- H.1.araisedAny Drug Abuse
- H.1.braisedTesting Positive for Any Drug Use
- H.1.craisedIllegal Drug Possession, Including Cultivation, Processing, Manufacture, Purchase, Sale, or Distribution
- H.1.graisedAny Drug Use After Being Granted a Security Clearance
- J.1.araisedA Single Serious Crime or Multiple Lesser Offenses
- J.1.craisedAllegation or Admission of Criminal Conduct, Regardless of Whether the Person Was Formally Charged, Formally Prosecuted or Convicted
- E.1.araisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- E.1.craisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 7, 2014
- Answer filedMay 6, 2014
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision date—Decision issued on August 11, 2014.
Cite For
- Financial Irresponsibility Due to Unresolved Debts
- Impact of Drug Involvement on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Candor in Security Clearance Applications