Summary
A 30-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance under Guideline H (Drug Involvement) due to a history of methamphetamine abuse and related convictions. The applicant used methamphetamine from approximately June 1985 until at least October 1995, a period spanning over ten years. This history included three arrests and subsequent guilty pleas: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol in June 1988 (with admitted possible methamphetamine use), being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) in March 1990, and being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance (crystal methamphetamine) in October 1995. The applicant also reported using marijuana less than five times between 1990 and early 1993.
Following the last arrest, the applicant received treatment for chemical addiction to crystal methamphetamine in February and March 1996. Although the applicant attended Narcotics Anonymous and expressed an intent to abstain from future drug use, the judge found these efforts insufficient to mitigate the security concerns.
The denial was based on the extensive duration of methamphetamine abuse, the three drug-related convictions, and the fact that the last known drug use occurred only 20 months before the decision. The judge concluded that the applicant failed to provide substantial evidence to overcome the government's initial case regarding her drug involvement.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's methamphetamine abuse lasted over ten years and included three drug-related convictions.
- The last known drug use occurred only 20 months prior to the decision, raising concerns about current security significance.
- The applicant failed to provide substantial evidence to mitigate the government's prima facie case regarding her drug involvement.
Conditions Referenced
- H1raisedDrug Abuse
- H2raisedIllegal Drug Possession, Purchase, Etc.
- H3rejectedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs in the FutureThe applicant's recent history of addiction and lack of sufficient time since last use did not support a finding of intent not to abuse drugs.
Key Rule Quoted
“The improper or illegal involvement with drugs raises questions regarding an individual's willingness or ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 20, 1997
- Answer filedMay 21, 1997
- Hearing heldN/ADetermined on a written record.
- Decision dateSep 26, 1997
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Extensive Drug Abuse History
- Impact of Recent Drug Use on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Drug Involvement Concerns