PSH-22-0070 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On October 19, 2022, an Administrative Judge determined that the Individual's access authorization under 10 C.F.R. Part 710 should not be granted. 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 derogatory information regarding the Individual's alcohol use and arrests for driving while intoxicated.

After a hearing, the Judge found the Individual did not sufficiently mitigate the security concerns under Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The Individual had only abstained from alcohol for about three weeks and stated that he needed professional help to stop drinking, though he had not obtained such help. The Individual did not believe his alcohol use was serious enough to warrant the use of support groups and described his alcohol use as problematic, but not a problem. The DOE Psychologist opined the Individual had not demonstrated adequate evidence of rehabilitation. The Administrative Judge found that the Individual had not mitigated the security concerns under Guidelines G and, therefore, his access authorization should not be granted. (OHA Case No. PSH-22-0070, Martin)