Summary
A 26-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to a long history of alcohol and drug abuse, multiple criminal offenses, and the falsification of a security clearance application. The denial was based on concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), Guideline H (Drug Involvement), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct).
The applicant's alcohol abuse began at age 16, leading to at least five alcohol-related arrests, including two for Driving Under the Influence in 1996 and 2003, and an arrest for Urinating in Public in 2001. His alcohol use also resulted in an arrest for Possession of Marijuana and Using False Identification to Obtain Alcohol in 1998. While the applicant claimed to have curtailed his alcohol use since 2003, this statement was not accepted due to his reliability.
His drug involvement included marijuana use from approximately 1996 to 2001, ranging from monthly to twice a week. He was arrested three times for drug-related offenses, including Drug Abuse as a juvenile in 1997, Possession of Marijuana in 1998, and a conviction for Drug Abuse in 2001. Additionally, he tested positive for marijuana three times in 1999 while on probation. The applicant's criminal conduct also included an arrest for felony arson in 1997, reduced to Disorderly Conduct, and an arrest for Menacing in 1998, reduced to Disorderly Conduct. Crucially, the applicant intentionally falsified material aspects of his personal background during the clearance screening process in 2003, which was considered a material misrepresentation and a felony violation. His recent conduct was deemed not mitigated.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The Applicant has a long history of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and criminal conduct.
- He has multiple arrests for alcohol-related offenses and drug offenses, including serious crimes reduced to Disorderly Conduct.
- The Applicant falsified a security clearance application in 2003, which was a material misrepresentation.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A5.1.2.2appliedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- E2.A10.1.2.1appliedAllegations or Admission of Criminal Conduct
- E2.A10.1.2.2appliedA Single Serious Crime or Multiple Lesser Offenses
- E2.A7.1.2.1appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- E2.A8.1.2.1appliedAny Drug Use
Key Rule Quoted
“The Government relies heavily upon the integrity and honesty of clearance holders, and it is a negative factor for security clearance purposes where an Applicant has deliberately provided false information about material aspects of his or her personal background.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 30, 2004
- Answer filedJan 10, 2005Requested decision without a hearing.
- Hearing held—
- Decision dateJul 15, 2005
Cite For
- Long History of Alcohol and Drug Abuse as a Basis for Denial Under Guideline G and H
- Falsification of Security Clearance Application as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline E
- Criminal Conduct as a Basis for Denial Under Guideline J