Summary
A 48-year-old systems engineer was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) due to a history of deliberately concealing illegal drug use and falsifying security clearance applications. The applicant repeatedly failed to disclose his use and purchase of marijuana and cocaine, as well as treatment for drug abuse, on multiple occasions since his initial application. This included lying during investigations in 1983, 1990, and 1995, and falsely certifying the truthfulness of his answers on a Personnel Security Questionnaire for a top secret clearance upgrade.
The applicant continued this pattern of deception on subsequent clearance renewal applications, including his application completed in May 2001, and during interviews with DSS agents. Disqualifying conditions related to deliberate concealment and falsification were raised.
While mitigating conditions were considered, the judge found that the applicant's extensive record of dishonesty, spanning several years, raised significant concerns about his judgment and trustworthiness. His eventual disclosures of drug history were deemed too belated to mitigate the concerns stemming from his prior lack of candor, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant deliberately concealed his illegal drug involvement from the Government on multiple occasions.
- The applicant's extensive record of falsification raised doubts about his personal judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness.
- The applicant's disclosures of his drug history were deemed too belated to mitigate the concerns raised by his prior dishonesty.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A5.1.2.2raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- E2.A5.1.2.3raisedDeliberately Providing False or Misleading Information
- E2.A5.1.2.5raisedA Pattern of Dishonesty
- E2.A5.1.3.5appliedPositive Steps to Reduce Vulnerability to Coercion
- E2.A5.1.3.7appliedAssociation with Persons Involved in Criminal Activities Has Ceased
Key Rule Quoted
“[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 4, 2003
- Answer filedJan 7, 2004
- Hearing heldMay 26, 2004
- Decision dateJan 25, 2005
Cite For
- Deliberate Concealment of Drug Use Under Guideline E
- Impact of a Pattern of Dishonesty on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Mitigating Factors Related to Candor and Disclosure of Past Conduct