Summary
A 29-year-old laborer employed by a defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had a long history of alcohol abuse, including multiple operating under the influence (OUIL) arrests. Specific incidents included an arrest for possession of alcohol by a minor and a dangerous weapon, an OUIL arrest after consuming ten beers, and a driving while intoxicated charge with a .16% blood alcohol content after consuming sixteen beers and five shots.
Further alcohol-related issues included intoxication at the worksite with a .17% blood alcohol content, another OUIL arrest after drinking twenty shots and twelve beers, and an OUIL conviction resulting in fines, probation, and community service. The applicant was diagnosed with alcohol and marijuana dependence and resumed drinking after treatment, failing to demonstrate a commitment to sobriety or compliance with aftercare.
Regarding drug involvement, the applicant had a history of illegal marijuana use, consuming approximately three joints per day until June 1996. One arrest involved OUIL and marijuana possession after an automobile accident, with a refusal to submit to a breathalyzer. Despite a claim of no drug or alcohol use since June 1996, the judge found the applicant's repeated alcohol-related incidents and ongoing drug involvement raised significant security concerns, leading to the denial of his clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a long history of alcohol abuse, including multiple DUI offenses and incidents of intoxication at work.
- The applicant's drug involvement included daily marijuana use for over a decade, which was deemed recent and habitual.
Conditions Referenced
- G.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.2raisedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- G.4raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- H.1raisedAny Drug Abuse
- H.2raisedIllegal Drug Possession, Including Purchase
- G.3appliedPositive Changes in Behavior Supportive of SobrietyThe applicant has maintained abstinence from alcohol and marijuana since June 1996.
- H.1rejectedThe Drug Involvement Was Not RecentThe applicant's marijuana abuse was deemed recent, as it continued until June 1996.
- H.2rejectedThe Drug Involvement Was an Isolated or Infrequent EventThe applicant's marijuana use was habitual and extensive.
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 issuedMay 14, 1997
- Answer filedJun 11, 1997Applicant requested a decision based on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing was held; decision made on the written record.
- Decision dateOct 8, 1997
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Extensive Alcohol Abuse and Multiple DUI Offenses
- Recent and Habitual Drug Involvement as a Disqualifying Factor
- The Importance of Demonstrating Rehabilitation and Abstinence in Security Clearance Cases