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Summary

The applicant, a 59-year-old firefighter with a history of financial issues and criminal conduct, faced security clearance denial primarily due to unresolved financial debts totaling approximately $225,779 and dishonesty during the clearance process. While the judge found in favor of the applicant regarding criminal conduct, the overwhelming financial concerns and lack of good-faith efforts to resolve debts led to the denial of the security clearance.

Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant was arrested and charged in September 2008, for Domestic Violence, and for Violating a Protective Order (3.a). During an interview with an investigator for the DoD in November 2022, Applicant denied that he was ever arrested or charged with a crime of domestic violence (3.b). Applicant is indebted to the State Franchise Tax Board for delinquent taxes in the approximate amount of $14,433, for tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 (1.a). A debt is owed to the Federal Government for taxes in the approximate amount of $165,931, for tax years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 (1.b). A debt is owed to a creditor in the approximate amount of $21,014. This is a car loan for a Cadillac he purchased for himself. The vehicle was voluntarily repossessed (1.g). A debt is owed to a creditor in the approximate amount of $27,400. This is a car loan for a Jeep he purchased for his daughter. The vehicle has not been repossessed or returned to the dealer (1.h). This was a debt to a creditor in the approximate amount of $10,572. This is a delinquent mortgage account on Applicant’s house (1.n). A debt is owed to a creditor in the approximate amount of $408. This is a delinquent credit card debt (1.m). A debt is owed to a creditor in the approximate amount of $7,320. This is for delinquent HOA fees that were not paid for a period of two to three years (1.k). A debt is owed to a creditor in the approximate amount of $806. This is a bank account that became delinquent (1.i). A debt is owed to a creditor in the approximate amount of $583. This is for cable equipment that should have been returned to the company (1.j). A debt is owed to a creditor in the approximate amount of $1,754. This is a bank account that became delinquent (1.l). On September 23, 2008, Applicant was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery committed against his spouse (2.a).

The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c), AG ¶ 31(a), AG ¶ 31(b), AG ¶ 16(b). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has twelve delinquent debts totaling approximately $225,779, indicating financial irresponsibility; The applicant failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve his financial obligations, with most debts remaining outstanding; The applicant was dishonest during the security clearance process, failing to disclose prior arrests for domestic violence.

Why the Applicant Was Denied

• The applicant has twelve delinquent debts totaling approximately $225,779, indicating financial irresponsibility.
• The applicant failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve his financial obligations, with most debts remaining outstanding.
• The applicant was dishonest during the security clearance process, failing to disclose prior arrests for domestic violence.

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 issuedJun 24, 2024
• Answer filed—
• Hearing heldJun 30, 2025Applicant testified pro se.
• Decision dateAug 18, 2025

Cite For

• Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Issues Under Guideline F
• Impact of Dishonesty During the Clearance Process Under Guideline E
• Consideration of Criminal Conduct History Under Guideline J