Summary
A 34-year-old federal contractor was denied a security clearance based on concerns under DOHA Guidelines F (Financial Considerations), G (Alcohol Consumption), and J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant admitted to over $61,000 in delinquent debts and a history of alcohol-related offenses, including two DWIs.
Disqualifying conditions were raised under all three guidelines, citing financial irresponsibility, a pattern of alcohol consumption that impaired judgment, and criminal conduct. While several mitigating conditions were applied, they were insufficient to overcome the security concerns.
The denial was primarily due to the applicant's numerous delinquent debts, totaling over $61,000, which demonstrated financial irresponsibility. Additionally, a recent relapse into alcohol use following a rehabilitation program raised significant concerns about his judgment and reliability. The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of financial responsibility or a realistic plan to resolve his outstanding debts.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had numerous delinquent debts totaling over $61,000, indicating financial irresponsibility.
- The applicant's recent relapse into alcohol use after completing a rehabilitation program raised concerns about his judgment and reliability.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of financial responsibility or a realistic plan to resolve his debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents
- AG ¶ 22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- AG ¶ 31(a)appliedPattern of Minor Offenses
- AG ¶ 31(b)appliedEvidence of Criminal Conduct
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's debts are numerous and recent.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond ControlWhile some conditions were beyond his control, he did not act responsibly to resolve his debts.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedFinancial CounselingThe applicant did not receive legitimate financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe applicant relied on garnishment and tax refunds rather than making good-faith efforts to resolve debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedDispute Legitimacy of DebtsThe applicant provided no evidence of disputing the debts.
- AG ¶ 23(a)appliedTime Has Passed Since BehaviorThe 2005 DWI incident is mitigated by the passage of time.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcohol UseInsufficient time has passed to demonstrate a clear pattern of abstinence.
- AG ¶ 23(d)rejectedSuccessful Completion of TreatmentInsufficient evidence of ongoing recovery and abstinence.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 13, 2019
- Answer filedJan 27, 2020
- Hearing heldJan 13, 2021Hearing rescheduled multiple times.
- Decision dateMar 11, 2021
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Recent Relapse Into Alcohol Use Impacting Security Clearance Under Guideline G
- Criminal Conduct Affecting Judgment and Trustworthiness Under Guideline J