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Summary

The applicant, a 28-year-old Heavy Line Diesel Mechanic, sought a security clearance but was denied due to significant financial delinquencies totaling approximately $26,000 and a lack of candor in his application. The judge found that the applicant's financial issues indicated poor self-control and that his failure to disclose debts raised serious questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.

Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant failed to disclose the delinquent debts set forth above in subparagraphs 1.a. through 1.k (2.a). A delinquent debt owed to a creditor that was charged off in the approximate amount of $9,849. This was a dirt bike/motorcycle that Applicant leased from a dealership (1.a). A delinquent debt owed to a creditor was charged off in the approximate amount of $5,167. This is a credit card that Applicant opened in 2017 and used to pay rent, health insurance, food, and the essentials to survive (1.b). A delinquent debt owed to a creditor was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $4,043. This is a pay pal account or credit line that Applicant obtained in 2019 (1.c). A delinquent debt owed to a creditor was charged off in the approximate amount of $1,878. This is a credit card used for living expenses (1.d). A delinquent debt owed to a creditor was charged off in the approximate amount of $1,324. This is a credit card used for living expenses (1.e). A delinquent debt owed to a creditor was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $1,140. Applicant stated that this was a 'buy now, pay back later' program (1.f). A delinquent debt owed to a creditor for an account was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $919. Applicant stated that this was a 'buy now, pay back later' program (1.g). A delinquent debt owed to a creditor for an account was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $827. Applicant stated that this was a 'buy now, pay back later' program (1.h). A delinquent debt owed to a creditor for an account was charged off in an amount unknown. Applicant stated that this was a small loan he took out in the amount of $400 (1.i). A delinquent debt owed to a creditor for an account was past due in the approximate amount of $207 with a total balance of $341. This is a credit card he used to purchase tools he needed for work in 2021 and 2022 (1.j). A delinquent debt owed to a creditor for an account was past due in the approximate amount of $244 with a total balance of $1,879. This is a credit card he used to purchase tools and other items he needed for work (1.k).

The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c), AG ¶ 16(a). The decision turned on the following: The applicant admitted to significant financial delinquencies totaling approximately $26,000; The applicant failed to accurately disclose his debts on his security clearance application, indicating a lack of candor and poor judgment; The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of efforts to address his financial issues or mitigate the concerns raised by his conduct.

Why the Applicant Was Denied

• The applicant admitted to significant financial delinquencies totaling approximately $26,000.
• The applicant failed to accurately disclose his debts on his security clearance application, indicating a lack of candor and poor judgment.
• The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of efforts to address his financial issues or mitigate the concerns raised by his conduct.

Conditions Referenced

Key Rule Quoted

“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”

Procedural Posture

• SOR issuedMay 2, 2023
• Answer filedMay 10, 2023
• Hearing heldAug 24, 2023
• Decision dateSep 19, 2023

Cite For

• Financial Delinquencies as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline F
• Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
• The Importance of Addressing Financial Obligations to Mitigate Security Concerns