Summary
Applicant, a 40-year-old program analyst for a defense contractor, was denied a security clearance due to a history of drug abuse from 1980 to 1997, intentional concealment of this history on her security clearance application, and significant financial issues. The judge found that the applicant did not mitigate the security concerns related to drug involvement, personal conduct, and financial considerations.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), and Guideline H (Drug Involvement), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: The deliberate omission, concealment, or falsification of relevant and material facts from any personnel security questionnaire, personal history statement, or similar form used to conduct investigations, determine employment qualifications, award benefits or status, determine security clearance eligibility or trustworthiness, or award fiduciary responsibilities (2.a). Deliberately providing false or misleading information concerning relevant and material matters to an investigator, security official, competent medical authority, or other official representative in connection with a personnel security or trustworthiness determination (2.b). $4,037.00 to a credit card company (3.a). $949.00 for household goods (3.b). $813.00 to consumer loan companies (3.c). $1,000.00 in medical bills (3.d). $1,000.00 in medical bills (3.f). $185.00 in utilities (3.g). $949.00 for household goods (3.h). $1,000.00 in medical bills (3.i). $1,000.00 in medical bills (3.k). Between 1980 and December 1996, Applicant smoked marijuana about twice a week (1.a). In January 1997, she was terminated from her position because a random urinalysis done by her employer showed positive results for the presence of illicit drugs (1.b).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions E2.A8.1.2.1, E2.A5.1.2.2, E2.A6.1.2.1. The decision turned on the following: Applicant had a long history of drug abuse, culminating in termination from employment due to a positive drug screen; She intentionally concealed her drug history on her security clearance application and during an interview with a government investigator; Applicant accrued substantial debt from 1998 to 2004 and failed to provide evidence of financial rehabilitation.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant had a long history of drug abuse, culminating in termination from employment due to a positive drug screen.
- She intentionally concealed her drug history on her security clearance application and during an interview with a government investigator.
- Applicant accrued substantial debt from 1998 to 2004 and failed to provide evidence of financial rehabilitation.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A8.1.2.1appliedDrug Involvement Disqualifying Condition
- E2.A5.1.2.2appliedPersonal Conduct Disqualifying Condition
- E2.A6.1.2.1appliedFinancial Considerations Disqualifying Condition
Key Rule Quoted
“Granting an applicant's clearance for access to classified information is based on a high degree of trust and confidence in the individual.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 2, 2004
- Answer filedUndated
- Hearing heldN/ADecided on written record
- Decision dateFeb 15, 2006
Cite For
- Denial Based on Intentional Concealment of Drug History
- Impact of Financial Instability on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Trustworthiness Concerns Due to Past Drug Abuse and Dishonesty