Summary
The applicant, a pro se individual, sought a security clearance but was denied due to issues related to drug involvement, personal conduct, and criminal conduct. The applicant admitted to a history of marijuana and crack cocaine use, falsified information on security questionnaires, and had a recent disciplinary layoff due to drug-related issues. The judge concluded that the applicant's conduct raised significant concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline H (Drug Involvement), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant intentionally omitted information about his drug history on a Personal Security Questionnaire (PSQ-DD Form 49) when he provided less than the complete picture regarding his use of marijuana (2.a). On the same form, he denied any purchases of marijuana (2.b). On February 14, 1995, Applicant intentionally did not provide the complete picture of his marijuana use (2.c). On the same form, he falsely stated he had never purchased any drug (2.d). The applicant used marijuana from 1975 to 1984, and resumed marijuana use from January 1993 to January 1996 (1.a). The applicant purchased marijuana from 1975 to 1984 and resumed purchasing marijuana in 1993, stopping in January 1996 (1.b). The applicant used crack cocaine daily from September 1995 until January 1996, after which he entered treatment (1.c). The applicant spent between $2000 and $2500 on crack cocaine from family savings and $1000 from credit cards between September 1995 and January 1996 (1.d). The applicant relapsed in June 1996 and again in July 1996 after completing treatment (1.e). The applicant abused a prescribed medication once in January 1996 just before he was admitted for treatment (1.f). The applicant used drugs after being granted a security clearance on October 5, 1995 (1.g). The applicant reported to work under the influence of marijuana and/or crack on an occasional basis (1.h). Criminal Conduct: AGAINST THE APPLICANT (3.a).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions H, E, J. The decision turned on the following: The applicant admitted to extensive drug use, including marijuana and crack cocaine, which raised concerns under Criterion H; The applicant intentionally falsified information on security questionnaires, violating Criterion E; The applicant's conduct constituted criminal conduct under Criterion J, as it involved the willful omission of material facts.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to extensive drug use, including marijuana and crack cocaine, which raised concerns under Criterion H.
- The applicant intentionally falsified information on security questionnaires, violating Criterion E.
- The applicant's conduct constituted criminal conduct under Criterion J, as it involved the willful omission of material facts.
Conditions Referenced
- HraisedDrug Involvement
- EraisedPersonal Conduct
- JraisedCriminal Conduct
Key Rule Quoted
“The granting (or continuance) of a security clearance under this Directive may only be done upon a finding that to do so is clearly consistent with the national interest.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 24, 1997
- Answer filedFeb 12, 1997
- Hearing held—Determined on a written record.
- Decision dateJul 10, 1997
Cite For
- Denial Based on Extensive Drug Use and Falsification of Security Forms
- Impact of Recent Drug-related Disciplinary Actions on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Criteria for Evaluating Personal Conduct in Security Clearance Cases