Summary
A 45-year-old assembly technician was denied retention of his secret security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had a history of drug use, including marijuana from approximately 1975 to 1978, and cocaine from 1983 to 1987. Notably, his cocaine use occurred while he possessed a security clearance. In May 1987, he was arrested and convicted for possession with intent to distribute both marijuana and cocaine, after which he ceased drug use.
The primary issues leading to the denial were the applicant's failure to disclose his illegal drug use while holding a security clearance on his February 2002 security clearance application (SF 86). This omission raised significant concerns about his personal conduct and candor.
The administrative judge found that the applicant's use of cocaine while cleared demonstrated poor judgment, and his failure to disclose this history on his application indicated a lack of candor. Furthermore, the applicant's inconsistent testimony regarding his drug involvement undermined his credibility. Despite some mitigating conditions being considered, the application was ultimately denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant used cocaine while holding a security clearance, demonstrating poor judgment.
- The applicant failed to disclose his drug use on his security clearance application, indicating a lack of candor.
- The applicant's inconsistent testimony undermined his credibility regarding his drug involvement.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A5.1.2.2appliedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- E2.A8.1.2.1raisedAny Drug Abuse
- E2.A8.1.2.2raisedIllegal Drug Possession, Including Cultivation, Processing, Manufacture, Purchase, Sale, or Distribution
- E2.A8.1.3.1appliedThe Drug Involvement Was Not Recent
- E2.A8.1.3.3appliedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the Future
Key Rule Quoted
“[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 1, 2003
- Answer filedOct 20, 2003
- Hearing heldFeb 25, 2004
- Decision dateJun 29, 2004
Cite For
- Issues of Personal Conduct Related to Drug Use While Holding a Security Clearance
- Failure to Disclose Drug Use on Security Clearance Applications
- Credibility Concerns Arising From Inconsistent Testimony Regarding Drug Involvement