PSH-17-0088 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On February 27, 2018, an Administrative Judge determined that an individual’s access authorization under 10 C.F.R. Part 710 should not be restored.  The individual is employed by a DOE contractor in a position that requires him to hold a DOE security clearance.  On May 2017, the individual reported that he had been arrested for Driving While Under the Influence of Liquor.  As a result, the local security office called the individual to a Personnel Security Interview (PSI) in June 2017.  In response to information gathered from the PSI and background investigation, a DOE consulting psychiatrist evaluated the individual.  The DOE psychiatrist concluded that the individual met the criteria for a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder, Mild, without adequate evidence of rehabilitation or reformation.  During the hearing, the individual testified that he has been abstinent for approximately six months and has been attending Alcoholic Anonymous meetings for approximately two months.  He also testified that he has been engaging in counseling through his pastor and intends to engage in additional counseling.  The DOE psychiatrist testified that although the individual has made some efforts, he needs to abstain from alcohol for a period of one year in order to show adequate evidence of reformation and rehabilitation.  At the time of the hearing, the individual had not yet abstained from alcohol for a period of one year as recommended by the DOE psychiatrist.  The Administrative Judge agreed with the DOE psychiatrist, and further concluded that his opinion was consistent with the witness testimony and her observations of the case.  She therefore found that the individual had not resolved the concerns regarding his alcohol consumption, and concluded that the individual’s access authorization should not be restored. OHA Case No. PSH-17-0088. (Kimberly Jenkins-Chapman)