PSH-22-0088 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On September 6, 2022, 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  derogatory  information  regarding  the  Individual's  drug  use . The LSO raised concerns under the Bond Amendment and Guideline H of the Adjudicative Guidelines.   Regarding  the  Bond  Amendment,  the  LSO  relied  on  the  Individual's  marijuana and cocaine use, the last of which occurred in November 2021. Regarding Guideline H, the LSO  cited  his  extensive  use  of  MDMA/Molly,  LSD/mushrooms,  marijuana,  cocaine,  and ketamine.  The Judge found that the Individual was not a "unlawful user" or "addict" of a controlled substance under the Bond Amendment.  However, the Individual's marijuana and cocaine use in November 2021, while employed by the DOE contractor, while knowing that such  use  could  jeopardize  his  ability  to  obtain  an  access  authorization.  Although  the Individual provided a statement that he intends to abstain from all drug involvement and misuse, He and his witness testified that he is still in situations where illegal substances are offered. Therefore, the Judge found that the Individual had not successfully mitigated the security concerns under Adjudicative Guideline H. Accordingly, the Individual was unable to demonstrate  that  he  had  resolved  the  security  concerns  arising  under  Guideline  H. (OHA Case No. PSH-22-0088, Fishman)