Summary
A 40-year-old senior computer applications engineer for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance based on concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant admitted to using both marijuana and cocaine while already holding a security clearance. Additionally, she provided false answers on her security clearance application regarding her drug use.
The Statement of Reasons included allegations of deliberate omission, concealment, or falsification of material facts on a personnel security questionnaire, providing false and misleading information to an investigator, and a pattern of dishonesty or rules violations. The applicant's admitted drug use while holding a clearance was also specifically cited.
Despite receiving military commendations and submitting character references, the judge found the applicant's testimony regarding her drug involvement to be vague and evasive, ultimately lacking credibility. This failure to mitigate the security concerns led to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant admitted to using marijuana and cocaine while holding a security clearance.
- Applicant provided false answers on her security clearance application regarding drug use.
- The judge found the applicant's testimony about her drug use to be vague and evasive, lacking credibility.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A8.1.2.2raisedAny Drug Abuse
- E2.A5.1.2.2raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- E2.A5.1.2.3raisedDeliberately Providing False and Misleading Information
- E2.A5.1.2.5raisedA Pattern of Dishonesty or Rules Violations
- E2.A8.1.3.1rejectedThe Drug Involvement Was Not RecentThe applicant's testimony was not credible regarding the recency of drug use.
- E2.A8.1.3.2rejectedThe Drug Involvement Was an Isolated or Aberrational EventThe applicant admitted to multiple instances of drug use over a long period.
- E2.A8.1.3.3rejectedA Demonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Any Drugs in the FutureThe applicant's vague testimony did not establish intent to refrain from future drug use.
- E2.A5.1.3.2rejectedThe Falsification Was an Isolated IncidentThe applicant failed to provide a full account of her drug involvement.
- E2.A5.1.3.3rejectedPrompt, Good-faith Efforts to Correct the FalsificationThe applicant did not make good-faith efforts to correct her false statements.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the security guidelines contained in the Directive.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 22, 2004
- Answer filedJun 15, 2004
- Hearing heldMar 3, 2005
- Decision dateMar 21, 2005
Cite For
- Disqualifying Conditions Under Guideline H for Drug Involvement
- Disqualifying Conditions Under Guideline E for Personal Conduct
- Credibility Issues in Applicant Testimony Regarding Drug Use and Falsification of Information