Summary
A 40-year-old defense contractor was denied a Top Secret security clearance due to a history of drug and alcohol abuse, criminal conduct, and personal conduct issues, specifically falsification of information on security clearance applications. The applicant's substance abuse began in 1975, involving alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine, and continued until December 1995. This history included multiple alcohol-related arrests and citations, such as Driving While Intoxicated in 1976, Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence in 1982, and Driving Under the Influence in 1996. In 1984, a urinalysis for Navy Reserves induction tested positive for controlled substances, leading to a charge of Use and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
The applicant was diagnosed with "Middle Stage Alcoholism" and marijuana and cocaine abuse in May 1996, beginning treatment the same day and remaining in it. While the applicant had been alcohol-free for 15 months and drug-free for 20 months at the time of the decision, the judge found this period insufficient to demonstrate complete reform or a sustained recovery.
Additionally, the applicant provided false information on security clearance applications, including a December 1, 1986, application where he failed to list prior arrests. Although he claimed not to remember them, his responses regarding illegal drug involvement were found to be knowingly false. The judge concluded that the applicant's extensive history of substance abuse and dishonesty demonstrated poor judgment and unreliability, outweighing recent rehabilitation efforts. The clearance was therefore DENIED.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has a long history of drug and alcohol abuse, with no mitigating conditions applicable.
- The applicant provided false information on security clearance applications, violating federal law.
- The applicant's recent rehabilitation efforts were insufficient to demonstrate long-term recovery from addiction.
Conditions referenced
- HraisedDrug Involvement
- GraisedAlcohol Consumption
- EraisedPersonal Conduct
- JraisedCriminal Conduct
Key rule quoted
“The Government must be able to place a high degree of confidence in a security clearance holder to abide by all security rules and regulations at all times and in all places.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMar 27, 1997
- Answer filedMay 14, 1997
- Hearing heldAug 27, 1997
- Decision dateFeb 11, 1998
Cite for
- Denial Based on Extensive History of Substance Abuse Under Guideline H and G
- Falsification of Information on Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Criminal Conduct Related to False Statements Under Guideline J