Summary
A 27-year-old engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The denial stemmed primarily from the applicant's intentional falsification of material information on his security clearance application regarding his alcohol and drug use. The judge found his denials of intentional falsification to be not credible.
The applicant had a history of alcohol-related incidents, including underage drinking citations in 1994, 1995, and 1996, with one resulting in probation and alcohol treatment. In 1998, he was arrested and convicted for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), fined $300, placed on 18 months' probation, and ordered to attend an alcohol treatment program. A social worker involved in his treatment described him as a "problem drinker." While there was no evidence of excessive alcohol consumption since his 1998 DWI, he admitted to consuming approximately six beers on weekends and fewer during the week.
Additionally, the applicant used marijuana at least 20 times in 1996/1997 and once more in early 2002. His recent marijuana use and history of alcohol incidents were deemed to reflect adversely on his judgment and trustworthiness. Despite his statements of reform regarding marijuana use, the intentional falsification of his application, coupled with his substance use history, led to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant intentionally provided false material information on his security clearance application regarding alcohol and drug use.
- The applicant's history of alcohol-related incidents and recent marijuana use raised significant concerns about his judgment and reliability.
- The applicant's denials of intentional falsification were deemed not credible.
Conditions Referenced
- G.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work.
- G.5raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment.
- H.1raisedAny Drug Abuse.
- E.2raisedThe Deliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts From Any Personnel Security Questionnaire.
- G.2rejectedThe Problem Occurred a Number of Years Ago and There Is No Indication of a Recent Problem.The applicant's recent marijuana use and ongoing alcohol consumption were not consistent with this condition.
- G.3rejectedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of Sobriety.The applicant's claims of reform were not corroborated and deemed not credible.
- H.2notedThe Drug Involvement Was Not Recent and Was an Isolated Incident.
- E.3notedThe Individual Has Taken Positive Steps to Reduce or Eliminate Vulnerability to Exploitation, Manipulation, or Coercion.
Key Rule Quoted
“When such an individual intentionally falsifies material facts about his background, it is extremely difficult to conclude that he or she nevertheless possesses the judgment, reliability and trustworthiness required of clearance holders.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 24, 2002
- Answer filedOct 17, 2002Applicant elected to have the case determined on a written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; case determined on written record.
- Decision dateOct 17, 2003
Cite For
- Intentional Falsification of Material Facts Under Guideline E
- Impact of Alcohol-related Incidents on Security Clearance Under Guideline G
- Recent Drug Use Affecting Judgment and Reliability Under Guideline H