Summary
A 51-year-old engineering technician was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed primarily from unresolved financial issues, including a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filed in May 2013 and discharged in September 2013.
Additional financial concerns included a state tax lien for $1,257 from approximately July 2022, and $6,119 in delinquent child support. The applicant also had four delinquent consumer debts totaling $23,395. While one debt was paid, others continued to report as delinquent.
The applicant admitted to all allegations of financial instability but failed to provide sufficient corroborating evidence of efforts to resolve these issues, such as documentation of payments to a debt consolidation company. The judge concluded that these ongoing financial problems raised doubts about the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to all allegations of financial instability, including bankruptcy and delinquent debts.
- The applicant failed to provide corroborating evidence of efforts to resolve his financial issues, such as documentation of payments to a debt consolidation company.
- Ongoing financial problems were deemed to cast doubt on the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlWhile conditions beyond the applicant's control contributed to his debts, he did not demonstrate responsible action under the circumstances.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay CreditorsThe applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of a good-faith effort to resolve his debts.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Financial CounselingThere was no indication that the applicant received credit counseling.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 22, 2022
- Answer filedJan 3, 2023Applicant elected for a written record decision.
- Hearing held—Case decided on written record.
- Decision dateSep 6, 2023
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Failure to Provide Evidence of Financial Stability as a Basis for Denial
- Impact of Ongoing Financial Problems on Reliability and Trustworthiness Assessments