Summary
A 28-year-old Junior Financial Analyst was denied a DoD security clearance due to concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant admitted to multiple instances of illegal drug use, including marijuana use from September 2007 to May 2009.
More significantly, in October 2013, after being granted a DoD Secret clearance in August 2013, the applicant used and distributed Molly (MDMA), a controlled substance, leading to an arrest and felony charge for distribution. The applicant's failure to demonstrate an intent to abstain from future drug use raised concerns about reliability and trustworthiness.
Additionally, the applicant had immediate and extended family members, including grandparents, aunts, an uncle, and cousins, who are citizens and residents of Egypt. While contact with these foreign nationals was infrequent, these ties were deemed to pose a potential risk of foreign influence, contributing to the denial.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to illegal drug use and distribution, including after being granted a security clearance.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate intent to abstain from drug use in the future, raising concerns about reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant's foreign contacts in Egypt, despite being infrequent, still posed a potential risk of foreign influence.
Conditions Referenced
- H.25.araisedAny Drug Abuse
- H.25.craisedIllegal Drug Possession, Including Cultivation, Processing, Manufacture, Purchase, Sale, or Distribution
- H.25.graisedAny Illegal Drug Use After Being Granted a Security Clearance
- B.7.araisedContact with a Foreign Family Member, Business or Professional Associate, Friend, or Other Person Who Is a Citizen of or Resident in a Foreign Country If That Contact Creates a Heightened Risk of Foreign Exploitation, Inducement, Manipulation, Pressure or Coercion
- B.8.cappliedThe Nature of the Relationship with the Foreign Contacts Is Casual and Infrequent
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 issuedAug 15, 2014
- Answer filedSep 23, 2014Requested decision on written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; case decided on written record.
- Decision dateNov 13, 2015
Cite For
- Denial Based on Illegal Drug Use After Clearance Granted Under Guideline H
- Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Family Ties in a Country with Known Security Risks Under Guideline B
- Failure to Demonstrate Rehabilitation or Intent to Abstain From Drug Use as a Factor in Security Clearance Decisions.