PSH-24-0079 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On June 21, 2024, an Administrative Judge determined that the Individual's access authorization should not be granted under 10 C.F.R. Part 710. The Individual is employed by a DOE Contractor in a position that requires him to hold a security clearance. The Local Security Office (LSO) received potentially derogatory information. Regarding the Guideline E allegations, the LSO learned that the Individual withheld information pertaining to his drug use within the past seven years from the QNSP . At the hearing, the Individual disclosed that he knew that he had withheld the requested information, that he decided to disclose the information to the investigator prior to being confronted, that he knew that his cohabitant had personal knowledge of his last use, and that he had withheld the information because he was concerned that it would place his employment in jeopardy. The Individual failed to mitigate the stated concerns pursuant to mitigating factors (a) and (c). (OHA Case No. PSH-24-0079, Rahimzadeh)