Summary
A 46-year-old single mother with a prior security clearance history was denied a new clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), and Guideline K (Handling Protected Information). The denial stemmed from approximately $38,144 in unresolved financial issues and multiple security infractions.
Specific financial allegations included an auto loan opened in January 2012 that became delinquent in July 2016 and was not resolved after repossession. A medical account from June 2020 was sent to collections, which the applicant disputed due to a prior copayment. Additionally, a state tax lien for $13,094 was filed in August 2019, attributed to an incorrectly processed tax return. Two judgments totaling $1,162 were filed in August 2019 by a state collection agency for parking tickets and tolls.
Beyond financial concerns, the applicant's employment was terminated in June 2020 due to security infractions that occurred between January and June of that year. Despite some mitigating factors, the judge found insufficient evidence to establish reliability or trustworthiness, noting 11 remaining unpaid debts and a lack of a credible plan or financial counseling to resolve them. The applicant's handling of protected information, which led to her termination, was also a significant factor in the denial.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant had approximately $38,144 in delinquent accounts, with 11 debts remaining unpaid.
- The applicant's handling of protected information resulted in multiple security infractions, leading to her termination from employment.
- The applicant provided insufficient evidence of financial counseling or a credible plan to resolve her debts.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 34(g)raisedFailure to Comply with Rules for the Protection of Classified or Sensitive Information
- AG ¶ 34(h)raisedNegligence or Lax Security Practices Despite Counseling
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's periods of unemployment were acknowledged, but the judge found insufficient evidence of responsible actions taken.
- AG ¶ 35(c)rejectedSecurity Violations Due to Improper or Inadequate TrainingThe applicant's claims of inadequate training were not substantiated.
- AG ¶ 35(d)rejectedInadvertent Violation, Promptly Reported, No Evidence of CompromiseThe applicant's repeated security infractions were deemed credible and indicative of poor judgment.
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedMay 28, 2021
- Answer filedJun 29, 2021
- Hearing heldMay 31, 2022via TEAMS video teleconference
- Decision dateNov 3, 2022
Cite for
- Denial Based on Unresolved Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Security Infractions Leading to Employment Termination Under Guideline K
- Insufficient Evidence of Mitigation for Financial and Security Concerns