Summary
A 27-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant had a history of substance abuse, including diagnosed cannabis dependence and involvement with multiple illegal drugs such as heroin, Valium, Percocet, Xanax, cocaine, and psilocybin between 1994 and 1999. She also consumed alcohol to intoxication from approximately 1997 to at least October 2005, and as recently as January 2006.
A primary concern was the applicant's deliberate falsification of her June 29, 2000, SF 86 security clearance application. She failed to fully disclose her treatment for illegal drug abuse from December 1996 to January 1997, and her involvement with various drugs beyond those initially listed. Additionally, she was alleged to have falsely claimed in a May 2003 sworn statement that she had been drug-free since January 1997. These omissions and misrepresentations were considered a felony violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
While some mitigating factors were considered regarding her past drug use and treatment, the ongoing alcohol issues and the failure to fully disclose her drug history on her SF 86 ultimately led to the denial of her clearance. The decision highlighted concerns about her candor and reliability.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a history of diagnosed cannabis dependence and substance abuse, including multiple illegal drugs.
- She consumed alcohol to intoxication as recently as January 2006, despite prior warnings to reduce her drinking.
- The applicant failed to fully disclose her drug use and treatment on her SF 86, raising concerns about her candor and reliability.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A5.1.2.2raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- E2.A5.1.1raisedConduct Involving Questionable Judgment, Untrustworthiness, Unreliability, Lack of Candor, Dishonesty
- E2.A5.1.2.1raisedCriminal Conduct, Including Drug-related Offenses
- E2.A5.1.3appliedThe Individual Has Acknowledged the Behavior and Has Taken Positive Steps to Change
- G2.A2.1rejectedThe Individual Has Demonstrated a Clear and Established Pattern of Abstaining From Alcohol or Drug UseThe applicant's ongoing alcohol consumption to intoxication undermined this condition.
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 14, 2005
- Answer filedFeb 3, 2006undated Answer received by DOHA
- Hearing heldJun 7, 2006hearing conducted with consent of parties
- Decision dateNov 30, 2006
Cite For
- Issues of Candor and Reliability in Security Clearance Applications
- Impact of Ongoing Substance Abuse on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Mitigating Factors Related to Past Substance Abuse Treatment and Acknowledgment of Behavior