Summary
A 44-year-old veteran with an honorable military service record was denied a security clearance, primarily due to unresolved financial issues under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). While the applicant successfully mitigated concerns related to personal conduct, criminal conduct, and alcohol consumption, his financial situation remained a significant obstacle.
The applicant faced several financial allegations, including a mortgage loan for a rental property that was more than 120 days past due when he completed a security clearance application in February 2018, despite answering "no" to a question about overdue debts. This mortgage was subsequently foreclosed upon by November 2019, with no deficiency owed after the sale. Additionally, he had an auto loan account charged off for $3,837 in 2018 after he could not afford repair costs, leading to the car's sale at auction. He also had a disputed delinquent phone bill totaling $1,182 with a collection agent, which he was attempting to remove from his credit report.
Other allegations included a December 2015 DWI conviction, a January 2016 DUI conviction while on probation, and a guilty finding in April 2017 for violating parole by attempting to drive on a suspended license, which he denied. In August 2019, he was fined for displaying a registered plate issued for another vehicle. Despite mitigating the alcohol and criminal conduct concerns, the applicant's failure to mitigate the financial considerations, specifically regarding unresolved debts and a lack of financial management, led to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the applicant prevailed
- The applicant mitigated concerns related to personal conduct under Guideline E.
- The applicant mitigated concerns related to alcohol consumption under Guideline G.
- The applicant mitigated concerns related to criminal conduct under Guideline J.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlThe applicant did not act responsibly regarding his financial obligations.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived or Is Receiving Financial CounselingThe applicant did not provide evidence of financial counseling.
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedApr 2, 2021
- Answer filedJun 9, 2021
- Hearing heldJun 8, 2022
- Decision dateNov 1, 2022
Cite for
- Mitigation of Personal Conduct Under Guideline E
- Mitigation of Alcohol Consumption Under Guideline G
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Considerations Under Guideline F