PSH-24-0180 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On January 6, 2025, an Administrative Judge determined that an Individual's access authorization should be restored under 10 C.F.R. Part 710. The Individual was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in November 2023. The Individual subsequently met with a DOE-contracted psychologist (DOE Psychologist) who opined that the Individual habitually or binge consumed alcohol to the point of impaired judgment. The DOE Psychologist recommended that the Individual participate in substance abuse treatment, attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, and permanently abstain from alcohol. At the hearing, the Individual presented evidence that he had completed treatment as recommended by the DOE Psychologist and testified that he intended to attend AA meetings and abstain from alcohol use going forward. The DOE Psychologist opined that the Individual had complied with his recommendations and had a good prognosis for avoiding problematic alcohol use in the future. The Administrative Judge concluded that the Individual had resolved the security concerns under Guidelines G and J. Therefore, the Administrative Judge determined that the Individual's access authorization should be restored. (OHA Case No. PSH-24-0180, Harmonick)