PSH-18-0057 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On November 16, 2018, an Administrative Judge determined that an Individual's access authorization under 10 C.F.R. Part 710 should be restored. The Individual is employed by a DOE contractor in a position that requires him to hold a DOE security clearance. In late August of 2017, the Individual self-reported that he was arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Subsequently, the Local Security Office (LSO) held a Personnel Security Interview (PSI) with the Individual in December 2017. In response to information gathered at the PSI, a DOE consulting psychologist evaluated the Individual in February 2018. The Psychologist concluded that the Individual met the diagnostic criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder, Moderate, under the DSM-5. She additionally diagnosed him with Personality Disorder-Trait Specific with Detachment and Antagonism. The Psychologist opined that the Individual had not demonstrated adequate evidence of rehabilitation or reformation. During the hearing, the Individual testified that he had been abstinent from alcohol for approximately ten months. He further showed that he had successfully completed an Intensive Outpatient Program, had been consistently attending Alcoholics Anonymous and aftercare, and had been engaging in individual therapy. After reviewing the evidence and observing all of the testimony at the hearing, the Psychologist determined that the individual had shown adequate evidence of rehabilitation or reformation. She further testified that the Individual's judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness were not impaired. In light of the Psychologist's testimony, along with her own findings, the Administrative Judge determined that the Individual resolved the security concerns associated with Guidelines G and I. Accordingly, she concluded that the Individual's access authorization should be restored. OHA Case No. PSH-18-0057 (Katie Quintana).