Summary
The applicant, a 28-year-old cable technician and former U.S. Navy service member, faced security concerns under Guidelines F (Financial Considerations) and E (Personal Conduct) due to 11 delinquent debts totaling $23,356. Although the judge found in favor of the applicant regarding the failure to disclose debts, the significant financial issues led to a denial of security clearance based on the inability to satisfy debts and a history of not meeting financial obligations.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Failure to disclose financial debts on the security clearance application (2.a). past-due account referred for collection of $6,530 (1.a). delinquent rent payments referred for collection of $3,393 (1.b). delinquent auto payments charged off for $3,354 (1.c). past-due U.S. Government account referred for collection of $2,705 (1.d). past-due U.S. Government account referred for collection of $3,354 (1.e). debt to credit union charged off for $1,099 (1.f). past-due account charged off for $925 (1.g). debt to insurance company referred for collection of $900 (1.h). telecommunications account referred for collection of $839 (1.i). past-due U.S. Government account referred for collection of $791 (1.j). debt to bank referred for collection of $400 (1.k).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant admitted to 11 delinquent debts totaling $23,356, which were charged off or referred for collection; The applicant did not provide evidence of a repayment plan or efforts to resolve his debts, indicating ongoing financial irresponsibility.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to 11 delinquent debts totaling $23,356, which were charged off or referred for collection.
- The applicant did not provide evidence of a repayment plan or efforts to resolve his debts, indicating ongoing financial irresponsibility.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's delinquent debts are recent, numerous, and ongoing.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedIndividual Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant did not provide evidence to support claims of resolving debts or establishing repayment plans.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 20, 2022
- Answer filedMay 26, 2022
- Hearing held—Applicant requested a decision on the written record without a hearing.
- Decision dateNov 28, 2022
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Failure to Provide Evidence of Debt Resolution Efforts
- Consideration of Personal Conduct Under Guideline E Leading to a Favorable Finding Despite Financial Issues