Summary
A 43-year-old painter was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), and J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a history of alcohol and drug abuse, multiple alcohol-related arrests, and intentional omissions on his security clearance application.
Specifically, the applicant failed to disclose his involvement with cocaine and alcohol counseling on his March 2002 application. He also had a documented history of alcohol-related incidents, including driving under the influence, assault and battery, and malicious destruction of property while intoxicated. He was diagnosed with alcohol dependence, exhibited a pattern of habitual or binge drinking, and consumed alcohol after diagnosis and treatment.
Despite completing treatment and attending Alcoholics Anonymous, the applicant's recent relapse in the summer of 2003 and ongoing alcohol consumption raised significant concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of alcohol abuse and multiple arrests related to alcohol and drug use.
- He failed to disclose significant criminal history and substance abuse on his security clearance application.
- Recent relapses into alcohol and drug use indicated a lack of sustained recovery and raised doubts about his reliability.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E2.A7.1.2.3raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- E2.A7.1.2.6raisedConsumption of Alcohol After Diagnosis of Alcoholism
- E2.A10.1.2.1raisedAllegations or Admission of Criminal Conduct
- E2.A10.1.2.2raisedA Single Serious Crime or Multiple Lesser Offenses
- E2.A7.1.3.4rejectedSuccessful Completion of RehabilitationDespite completing rehabilitation, the applicant relapsed into substance use, indicating ongoing vulnerability.
- E2.A10.1.3.1rejectedThe Criminal Behavior Was Not RecentWhile some offenses were not recent, the risk of future criminal behavior due to alcohol consumption remains.
- E2.A5.1.3.3rejectedPrompt Good-faith Effort to Correct FalsificationThe applicant's disclosures were prompted by inquiries, lacking credibility in his claims of forgetfulness.
Key Rule Quoted
“"No one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 25, 2003
- Answer filedOct 29, 2003
- Hearing heldNov 23, 2004Hearing conducted with 16 government exhibits admitted.
- Decision dateMay 9, 2005
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Ongoing Alcohol Dependence and Criminal Conduct
- Impact of Intentional Omissions on Security Clearance Applications
- Consideration of Recent Substance Abuse Relapses in Security Clearance Determinations