Summary
A 46-year-old furniture installer/foreman was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), Guideline E (Personal Conduct), and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant's spouse and in-laws residing in Ukraine raised foreign influence issues. Personal conduct concerns stemmed from the applicant's admission of intentionally falsifying his 2002 SF 86 by not disclosing past drug use.
Regarding drug involvement, the applicant had a history of marijuana use over several years, continuing until 2013, and admitted to using illegal drugs while holding a security clearance. He also used hallucinogenic mushrooms on multiple occasions until 2008. His failure to report this past drug use on his 2002 SF 86 was a significant concern.
Despite some mitigating conditions being applied, the denial was based on the applicant's long history of marijuana use, including after receiving a clearance, and his intentional falsification of the 2002 SF 86. The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of behavioral change or sustained abstinence from drug use, leading to the denial of his eligibility for access to classified information.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of marijuana use, including use after being granted a security clearance in 2002.
- The applicant intentionally falsified his 2002 SF 86 by omitting past drug use, which raises questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate a change in behavior or to substantiate claims of abstinence from drug use.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedDrug Abuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Drug Possession
- AG ¶ 25(g)raisedIllegal Drug Use After Clearance
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedFalsification of Security Questionnaire
- AG ¶ 16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information
- AG ¶ 26(a)rejectedBehavior Happened Long AgoThe applicant's drug use was recent and frequent, undermining claims of infrequency.
- AG ¶ 26(b)rejectedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse DrugsThe applicant did not provide evidence of disassociation from drug-using associates or a drug treatment program.
- AG ¶ 17(a)rejectedPrompt Good-faith Efforts to CorrectThe applicant's failure to disclose past drug use was not corrected until years later.
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 issuedFeb 18, 2015
- Answer filedMar 2, 2015
- Hearing held—Decision made on written record.
- Decision dateApr 21, 2016
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Ongoing Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Falsification of Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E
- Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B