I decided to add narration of what happened, which led to the initial posting. As you read, bear in mind that I am Deaf.
BLUF: Last year, I was arrested and charged with Public Intoxication, a class 4 misdemeanor (lowest). I was arrested at my workplace and was placed in administrative leave. Eventually, my employment with IC agency was terminated. Nonetheless, the charge was eventually dismissed as the local prosecutor decided not to go forward with the charge (nolle prosequi).
What happened? Late one night, I came across unknown woman. She appeared to be under influence of something (drugs, alcohol, etc.), but she didn’t seem threatening. I offered to assist her by driving her to my workplace to get some help. I was new to the area, and I didn’t know locations of police station, hospitals, etc. However, my workplace was nearby hence the decision.
Upon arriving, I identified myself at front gate and explained that the I didn’t know the woman. I followed the instruction from security officers to the letter. In meanwhile, I voluntarily disclosed to the security officers that I consumed alcoholic beverages that night. They were less interested in that, but more interested in where I met or saw the woman. (I communicated by writing, gesturing, speaking—I do not speak fluently, but well enough.)
Afterwards, the local police and ambulance came. EMT folks attended to the woman. So, I thought it would over soon, but I was wrong. Immediately, local police placed a cuff on me. I was flummoxed. I began to fear the worst… did the woman accuse me of something that I didn’t do.
The police began to question me, but I declined to answer their repeated questions. Instead, I asked for an American Sign Language interpreter to facilitate the conversation. When a ranking officer said, no to my request. I told them about Americans with Disabilities Act, which said I was entitled to reasonable accommodations. Nonetheless, I was arrested, jailed, and charged.
Eventually, I learned from an investigator (the IC agency investigated the incident) that I was arrested because the police perceived me to be “belligerent”. Additionally, I learned that the woman was a known prostitution with a violent record. I did not know that when I made decision to seek assistance.
The agency completed its security investigation, but the human resources director terminated my employment because I was a probationary employee. My then-boss later told me that my office vouchered for me and the security office concluded that this was a case of a huge misunderstanding/miscommunication. There was no security breach.
Certainly, I made numerous mistakes that night. I learned my lessons and wished things were handled better on my part.
My question: How will this impact my clearance? Am I going to lose my clearance?
Side note: I have clean record… no arrest prior to this one… no delinquent debts… no foreign influences/travels… no drugs history… no alcohol history prior to this one… a one or two minor traffic violations…