Summary
A 29-year-old utilities technician for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), H (Drug Involvement), and J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant had a history of drug abuse, including marijuana use from 1990 until at least March 2002, cocaine use on 20 occasions between 1996 and 1999, and hallucinogenic mushroom use on 10 occasions from 1992 to 1996. He also abused prescribed Percocet and Vicodin in 2000, purchased both marijuana and cocaine, and expressed an intent to use marijuana in the future.
Regarding alcohol, the applicant consumed alcohol to the point of intoxication from 1995 until at least September 2002, was cited as a minor in possession in 1995, and was convicted of DUI in 1998. His criminal conduct also included a conviction for failing to complete court-ordered community service.
A primary factor in the denial was the applicant's deliberate falsification of his security clearance application by omitting the full extent of his illegal drug abuse, which also constituted a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001. Despite some mitigating factors related to his alcohol consumption, the ongoing drug use and lack of candor on his application led to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a history of drug abuse, including marijuana, cocaine, and hallucinogenic mushrooms, which he continued to use after submitting his security clearance application.
- The applicant deliberately omitted material facts regarding his drug use from his security clearance application, demonstrating a lack of candor and reliability.
- The applicant's criminal conduct, including a conviction for failing to complete community service and falsifying his security clearance application, raised significant security concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A8.1.2.1raisedDrug Abuse
- E2.A5.1.2.2raisedFalsification of Material Facts
- E2.A10.1.2.1raisedCriminal Conduct
- E2.A7.1.3.2appliedAlcohol ConsumptionThe applicant has cut back on his drinking and has not had recent problems related to alcohol.
- E2.A5.1.3.1appliedCircumstances of Community ServiceThe applicant was incapacitated due to hernia surgery when he failed to complete community service.
Key Rule Quoted
“[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 29, 2004
- Answer filedOct 5, 2004
- Hearing heldJun 29, 2005
- Decision dateOct 21, 2005
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Ongoing Drug Use After Application Submission
- Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Application
- Impact of Criminal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility