Summary
A 47-year-old widower with two children was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The applicant had defaulted on 25 accounts, totaling approximately $31,000, and admitted to these delinquent debts.
The Statement of Reasons also alleged that the applicant deliberately provided false information on his security clearance application by omitting a judgment and 22 pre-existing debts. While the judge found insufficient evidence to support these allegations of falsification, the applicant's financial conduct remained a significant concern.
The denial was based on the applicant's demonstrated inability to satisfy his debts and his failure to provide evidence of any efforts to address these financial obligations. This raised concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant defaulted on 25 accounts totaling approximately $31,000, demonstrating an inability to satisfy debts.
- The applicant failed to provide evidence of any efforts to address his financial obligations, raising concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(e)raisedConsistent Spending Beyond One’s Means
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant did not demonstrate that his financial issues are unlikely to recur.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlWhile some debts arose from circumstances beyond his control, the applicant did not act responsibly to address them.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Financial CounselingThe applicant provided no evidence of financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay CreditorsThe applicant did not provide evidence of any repayment efforts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedDispute Legitimacy of DebtsThe applicant did not dispute any of the debts alleged.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 1, 2019
- Answer filed—Applicant elected to have his case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—Decision made based on written record.
- Decision dateOct 7, 2019
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Evidence to Support Allegations of Falsification Under Guideline E
- Consideration of Personal Hardship in Financial Matters but Lack of Mitigating Evidence