Summary
A male applicant was denied a security clearance under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), and J (Criminal Conduct) due to a history of alcohol abuse and related issues. The judge found overwhelming evidence of ongoing alcohol-related problems, including multiple arrests and failures to complete treatment.
The applicant admitted to 21 alcohol-related allegations, detailing excessive consumption from approximately 1965 to at least October 1998, leading to job terminations in 1982 and 1989. He was arrested on alcohol-related charges in 1982, 1996, and 1997, and received treatment on 14 occasions between 1984 and 1998, often failing to complete programs or leaving against medical advice. His continued alcohol use even violated probation on one occasion.
Additionally, the applicant falsified material facts on his May 28, 1998 Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF 86) by omitting details of mental health treatment, multiple arrests, and alcohol abuse treatments. He also failed to mention alcohol-related treatments in sworn statements to the Defense Security Service in October and November 1998. While these falsifications were not deemed deliberate, the judge concluded that the applicant's admissions and lack of commitment to abstain from alcohol, coupled with no evidence of rehabilitation, were sufficient grounds for denial.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant admitted to 21 alcohol-related allegations, demonstrating a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption.
- There was no evidence of rehabilitation or intent to stop drinking despite numerous treatment attempts.
- The applicant's falsifications on the SF 86 were not deemed deliberate, but the ongoing alcohol abuse was sufficient to deny the clearance.
Conditions referenced
- G.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.2raisedAlcohol-related Incidents at Work
- G.3raisedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence
- G.4raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption to the Point of Impaired Judgment
- G.5raisedConsumption of Alcohol Subsequent to a Diagnosis of Alcoholism
- E.2raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- J.1raisedAny Criminal Conduct, Regardless of Whether the Person Was Formally Charged
- E.4rejectedOmission of Material Facts Caused by Improper or Inadequate AdviceThe applicant's omissions were not deemed to be caused by inadequate advice.
- J.2rejectedA Single Serious Crime or Multiple Lesser OffensesThe applicant's criminal behavior was not isolated and did not demonstrate successful rehabilitation.
Key rule quoted
“"A person seeking access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government based upon trust and confidence."”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMay 12, 1999
- Answer filedJun 7, 1999Applicant initially elected for a decision based on the written record.
- Hearing heldOct 28, 1999Hearing conducted after applicant changed his mind about proceeding without a hearing.
- Decision dateNov 18, 1999
Cite for
- Ongoing Alcohol Abuse as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline G
- Falsification of Material Facts on Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- The Importance of Demonstrating Rehabilitation for Alcohol-related Issues in Security Clearance Cases