Summary
A 45-year-old systems developer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had a history of alcohol dependency, consuming alcohol to excess from approximately 1976 to at least September 2005. She received treatment for alcohol dependence in March 2002 but did not complete the prescribed program and continued to drink. Additionally, she admitted to using cocaine in the early 1980s and in at least January 2002.
Financial concerns included several outstanding debts. The applicant denied a $344 debt to a dentist and a $285 debt to a department store. She admitted to a $30 debt to a wireless provider, which was paid in February 2006, and three unpaid charged-off credit card debts totaling approximately $5,500. Furthermore, she owed her sister approximately $8,000 for house repairs following Hurricane Irene in 1999 and an additional $9,000 loan related to a repossessed van in about May 2002.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to mitigate security concerns related to her alcohol and drug abuse. She did not complete her recommended rehabilitation program for alcohol dependency, resumed drinking, and provided false information on her security clearance application regarding her drug use.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to mitigate security concerns regarding her history of alcohol and drug abuse.
- She did not complete the recommended rehabilitation program for alcohol dependency and resumed drinking.
- The applicant provided false information on her security clearance application regarding her drug use.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A7.1.2.3raisedAlcohol Dependence
- E2.A7.1.2.5raisedExcessive Alcohol Consumption
- E2.A8.1.2.1raisedDrug Involvement
- E2.A8.1.1.1raisedDrug Abuse
- E2.A8.1.1.3raisedIllegal Use of Drugs
- E2.A8.1.1.2raisedControlled Substances
- E2.A8.1.1.2.1raisedMood and Behavior-altering Substances
- E2.A8.1.1.2.2raisedInhalants and Similar Substances
- E2.A7.1.2.4raisedFailure to Follow Treatment Recommendations
- E2.A7.1.2.2raisedPattern of Problematic Alcohol Use
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedQuestionable Judgment
- E2.A7.1.2.6raisedFailure to Control Impulses
- E2.A7.1.2.7raisedIncreased Risk of Unauthorized Disclosure
- E2.A8.1.3.1raisedRecent Drug Involvement
- E2.A8.1.3.2raisedIsolated Drug Use
- E2.A8.1.3.3raisedIntent Not to Abuse Drugs
- E2.A8.1.3.4raisedCompletion of Drug Treatment Program
- E2.A7.1.3.1raisedPattern of Alcohol Abuse
- E2.A7.1.3.2raisedNo Recent Alcohol Problems
- E2.A7.1.3.3raisedPositive Changes in Behavior
- E2.A7.1.3.4raisedSuccessful Completion of Rehabilitation
- E2.A7.1.2.1raisedFailure to Mitigate Alcohol Concerns
- E2.A7.1.2.2raisedFailure to Mitigate Drug Concerns
- E2.A7.1.2.3raisedFailure to Mitigate Financial Concerns
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 8, 2006
- Answer filedMar 15, 2006
- Hearing heldSep 8, 2006
- Decision dateOct 30, 2006
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Alcohol and Drug Abuse Issues
- Failure to Provide Credible Evidence of Rehabilitation
- False Statements on Security Clearance Application Regarding Drug Use