Summary
A 44-year-old Flight Systems Engineer with a bachelor's degree was denied a security clearance due to financial considerations under Guideline F. The applicant faced allegations concerning approximately $160,000 in delinquent debts. These included a $46,568 debt to BMW FIN for a repossessed vehicle, a $32,624 debt to ED FIN/ESA with $474 past due, and a $20,877 charged-off debt to CHRYSLRCAP.
Additional charged-off debts included $19,765 to PARTNERS, $13,283 to CITIBANK, $13,283 to WFB CS SVC, $6,592 to SHEFFIELD, $4,587 to CAP ONE, $3,238 to CBNA, $710 to BK OF AMER, and $916 to VERIZON. Disqualifying conditions under AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(b), and AG ¶ 19(c) were raised, while mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b) and AG ¶ 20(d) were considered.
The administrative judge determined that the applicant failed to demonstrate financial responsibility or provide sufficient evidence of mitigation. Specifically, there was no evidence of ongoing payments or efforts to resolve the delinquent debts, and the applicant's explanations lacked supporting documentation. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to demonstrate financial responsibility and resolve outstanding debts totaling approximately $160,000.
- The applicant did not provide evidence of ongoing payments or efforts to mitigate the delinquent debts.
- The applicant's explanation for the debts was insufficient and lacked supporting documentation.
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 ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to show that the financial problems were largely beyond his control.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe applicant failed to demonstrate any good-faith effort to resolve his debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure to live within one's means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual's reliability, trustworthiness, and ability to protect classified or sensitive information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 28, 2019
- Answer filedApr 8, 2019Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Hearing held—Decision made based on written record.
- Decision dateNov 18, 2019
Cite For
- Insufficient Evidence of Financial Mitigation Under Guideline F
- Failure to Demonstrate Financial Responsibility
- Impact of Delinquent Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility