Summary
A 41-year-old supply engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had 10 delinquent debts totaling over $49,000 and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filed in 2016 that was dismissed in 2017. Additionally, the applicant was charged with Assault by Offensive Contact in 2017, has an outstanding arrest warrant, and failed to disclose the arrest to his employer.
The administrative judge found that the applicant demonstrated financial irresponsibility and failed to show a willingness or ability to address his debts. This raised doubts about his financial management and reflected questionable judgment regarding his financial obligations.
While mitigating conditions were considered for the personal conduct issue, the judge ultimately determined there was insufficient evidence of financial responsibility and questionable judgment. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had 10 delinquent debts totaling over $49,000 and a dismissed Chapter 13 bankruptcy, indicating financial irresponsibility.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a willingness or ability to address his debts, raising doubts about his financial management.
- The applicant's behavior and decisions reflected questionable judgment, particularly regarding his financial obligations.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts Regardless of the Ability to Do So
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(d)appliedCredible Adverse Information
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Resulting in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Financial Counseling
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute Legitimacy of Past-due Debt
- AG ¶ 17(a)appliedPrompt, Good-faith Efforts to Correct Omissions
- AG ¶ 17(c)appliedOffense Is Minor or Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 17(d)appliedAcknowledged Behavior and Obtained Counseling
Key Rule Quoted
“No one has a ‘right’ to a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 6, 2018
- Answer filedJun 8, 2018Applicant responded through counsel.
- Hearing heldJan 22, 2019Applicant proceeded pro se after counsel withdrew.
- Decision dateJul 18, 2019
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Mitigating Factors for Personal Conduct Under Guideline E
- Evaluation of Questionable Judgment in Financial Matters