PSH-24-0069 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On July 9, 2024, an Administrative Judge with the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Hearings and Appeals determined that the Individual's access authorization should be restored under 10 C.F.R. Part 710. In June 2023, the Individual was arrested for Assault Causing Injury to a Family Member, after consuming three beers. The Individual was subsequently evaluated by a DOE consultant psychologist, who diagnosed the Individual with Unspecified Alcohol-Related Disorder without evidence of reformation or rehabilitation. After a hearing, the Administrative Judge found that the Individual had acknowledged his maladaptive alcohol use, successfully completed an Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program (IOP), completed twenty-eight sessions of an aftercare program for alcohol treatment, and submitted sufficient evidence to establish that he abstained from alcohol consumption for nearly six months. Moreover, the DOE psychologist concluded the Individual was rehabilitated and reformed from his Unspecified Alcohol-Related Disorder. Therefore, the Administrative Judge found the Individual had mitigated the security concerns arising under Guideline G of the Adjudicative Guidelines and that DOE access authorization should be restored. (OHA Case No. PSH-24-0069, Martin)