Summary
A 33-year-old defense contractor was denied a DoD security clearance due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), Guideline H (Drug Involvement), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant admitted to abusing marijuana and methamphetamine, with methamphetamine use occurring approximately every other weekend from summer 1993 until an arrest in December 1994. While marijuana use ceased in December 1976, the recent methamphetamine use was a significant factor.
The applicant also failed to timely file state income tax returns for tax years 1987 through 1993, a misdemeanor violation of the State Revenue and Tax Code. Similarly, federal income tax returns for the same years were not timely filed, violating Title 26, United States Code, Section 7203. These failures demonstrated poor judgment and unreliability.
Financially, the applicant had multiple outstanding debts, including $219.21 to a department store (possibly discharged in a 1990 bankruptcy), $2,797.31 in state back taxes for multiple years, $218.05 for insufficient fund checks to a department store, $71.34 to a dentist, and $250.62 for insufficient fund checks to a supermarket. Wage garnishments were implemented by the State Franchise Tax Board in 1995 and 1996 for back taxes, and by the IRS in March 1996 for approximately $23,031.15 in taxes owed for several years. The judge found excessive debts with no evidence of rehabilitation, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to abusing methamphetamine and marijuana, with recent use of methamphetamine being a significant concern.
- The applicant failed to file state and federal income tax returns for several years, demonstrating poor judgment and unreliability.
- The applicant has excessive debts and has made no effort to address her financial obligations.
Conditions Referenced
- HraisedDrug Involvement
- JraisedCriminal Conduct
- FraisedFinancial Considerations
Key Rule Quoted
“The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person's life to make an affirmative determination that the person is an acceptable security risk.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 8, 1996
- Answer filedAug 29, 1996Applicant elected for a written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; case determined on written record.
- Decision dateDec 31, 1996
Cite For
- Denial Based on Recent Drug Use Under Guideline H
- Failure to File Taxes as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline J
- Financial Irresponsibility and Excessive Debt Under Guideline F