Summary
A 57-year-old former U.S. Navy senior chief petty officer was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant faced allegations of delinquent debts totaling approximately $26,571. These included medical debts, a charged-off debt for a horse trailer paid in May 2017, and various other collection accounts for telecommunication services, retail purchases, and credit cards. Additionally, a past-due second mortgage was cited.
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by providing credible evidence of payments and disputes for the outstanding debts. Specific actions included paying off several medical and telecommunication debts, settling a retail store debt for $354, and disputing multiple credit card and collection accounts, some of which were no longer considered valid. A debt for a computer never received was also disputed.
The judge found that the applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, such as a heart attack and extensive work-related travel. The applicant demonstrated a responsible approach to financial management following these personal hardships, leading to the conclusion that personal conduct concerns were not substantiated. Consequently, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant provided credible evidence of payments and disputes regarding delinquent debts.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, including a heart attack and extensive travel for work.
- The applicant demonstrated a responsible approach to financial management after personal hardships.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 27, 2017
- Answer filedApr 14, 2017
- Hearing heldFeb 7, 2019via video teleconference
- Decision dateMar 5, 2019
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Unsubstantiated Personal Conduct Concerns Under Guideline E
- Consideration of Circumstances Beyond the Applicant's Control in Financial Matters