Summary
A 46-year-old scientist with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline H (Drug Involvement), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a history of marijuana use spanning nearly 30 years, from 1968 to April 1998, during which he purchased marijuana weekly and attempted to grow it. He was arrested in 1977 for illegal possession of marijuana.
Crucially, the applicant made multiple intentional falsifications on his March 13, 2000, Security Clearance Questionnaire (Standard Form 86). He falsely denied being charged with drug offenses, using controlled substances while holding a security clearance, and involvement in illegal drug purchases within the last seven years. He also concealed a prior 1988 Department of Defense investigation and security clearance grant. These deliberate omissions and concealments were considered violations of 18 U.S. Code, Section 1001, a felony.
Despite demonstrating a five-and-a-half-year drug-free lifestyle, the judge found his explanations for the falsifications incredible, concluding that he intentionally misrepresented material facts. The denial was based on the applicant's lack of honesty and reliability, as evidenced by the intentional falsifications and his past drug involvement.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant intentionally falsified material facts on his security clearance application.
- The applicant's history of marijuana use, although not recent, raised concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant failed to provide credible excuses for his omissions and falsifications.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A2.1raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- H1raisedAny Drug Abuse
- J1raisedAny Criminal Conduct, Regardless of Whether the Person Was Formally Charged
- H1appliedThe Drug Involvement Was Not Recent
- E2.A2.1notedNone
- J2notedNone
Key Rule Quoted
“The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person's life to make an affirmative determination that the person is an acceptable security risk.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 10, 2003
- Answer filedNov 10, 2003
- Hearing heldFeb 24, 2004
- Decision dateApr 15, 2004
Cite For
- Intentional Falsification of Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Impact of Drug Involvement on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline H
- Criminal Conduct Implications for Security Clearance Under Guideline J