Summary
A 26-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to extensive illegal drug involvement and falsification of information, falling under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), H (Drug Involvement), and J (Criminal Conduct). The Statement of Reasons detailed the applicant's drug use, including marijuana and hashish from early 1984 to summer 1995, and cocaine and heroin in 1995. The applicant also purchased marijuana, hashish, and crack cocaine, and sold crack cocaine for profit from early 1993 to March 1996. An arrest for attempting to purchase marijuana occurred in 1992.
Furthermore, the applicant deliberately omitted, concealed, or falsified relevant facts on personal security questionnaires and provided false or misleading information to investigators. These actions were alleged to constitute criminal conduct under Criterion J and violate 18 U.S.C. § 1001 for willfully withholding information from the DoD.
Despite the application of a mitigating condition under Guideline H, the judge found that the applicant's admitted drug use and trafficking, coupled with repeated dishonesty on official forms and during interviews, demonstrated a significant lack of trustworthiness and reliability. Consequently, granting a security clearance was deemed inconsistent with national interest, and the clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to extensive illegal drug use and trafficking, including crack cocaine.
- The applicant falsified material information on his National Agency Questionnaire and during interviews with the Defense Investigative Service.
- The applicant's repeated dishonesty demonstrated a lack of trustworthiness and reliability.
Conditions Referenced
- HraisedDrug Involvement
- EraisedPersonal Conduct
- JraisedCriminal Conduct
- H3rejectedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs in the FutureThe applicant's drug trafficking history undermined any claim of intent not to abuse drugs.
Key Rule Quoted
“"A person who seeks access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 3, 1996
- Answer filedAug 27, 1996Applicant requested decision without a hearing.
- Hearing held—
- Decision dateMay 30, 1997
Cite For
- Denial Based on Extensive Drug Involvement Under Guideline H
- Falsification of Material Facts Under Guideline E
- Criminal Conduct Related to Drug Trafficking Under Guideline J