Summary
The applicant, a 46-year-old electronics technician and veteran, faced security clearance concerns under Guidelines E, F, and G due to financial issues, alcohol consumption, and personal conduct. The judge found that the applicant's failure to resolve debts, file taxes, and manage alcohol use demonstrated a lack of judgment and responsibility, leading to a denial of his security clearance application.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant failed to file his Federal and state income taxes as required for tax years 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. There is no evidence in the record indicating that Applicant has filed any of the tax returns in question (1.a). A delinquent account was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $834. The account remains owing (1.b). A delinquent account was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $143. The account remains owing (1.c). A delinquent account was placed for collection the approximate amount of $323. The account remains owing (1.d). A delinquent account was placed for collection in the approximate amount of $26. The account remains owing (1.e). The applicant has a history of alcohol abuse, including two criminal convictions for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (1.a). The applicant was diagnosed as alcohol dependent following his second DUI (1.b). The applicant continues to drink alcohol despite his diagnosis of alcohol dependence (1.c). The applicant has not provided evidence of rehabilitation or compliance with treatment recommendations (1.d).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions F1, F2, F7, G2, G3, G4, E2, E3. The decision turned on the following: Applicant failed to file state and federal taxes from 2009 to 2012, with no evidence of resolution; Applicant has outstanding debts totaling approximately $1,500, with no proof of repayment or financial arrangements; Applicant has a history of alcohol abuse, including two DUI convictions, and did not provide evidence of rehabilitation or reduced consumption.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant failed to file state and federal taxes from 2009 to 2012, with no evidence of resolution.
- Applicant has outstanding debts totaling approximately $1,500, with no proof of repayment or financial arrangements.
- Applicant has a history of alcohol abuse, including two DUI convictions, and did not provide evidence of rehabilitation or reduced consumption.
Conditions Referenced
- F1raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- F2raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F7raisedFailure to File or Fraudulently Filing Income Tax Returns
- G2raisedAlcohol-related Incidents
- G3raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G4raisedDiagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder
- E2raisedCredible Adverse Information
- E3raisedPattern of Dishonesty or Rule Violation
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 19, 2016
- Answer filedOct 13, 2016
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record without a hearing.
- Decision dateOct 31, 2017
Cite For
- Failure to Resolve Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- History of Alcohol Abuse Impacting Security Clearance Under Guideline G
- Poor Personal Conduct Affecting Reliability Under Guideline E