Summary
A 52-year-old former defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had multiple unpaid debts totaling approximately $21,162 and intentionally omitted relevant financial information from his security clearance application.
Specifically, the applicant admitted knowing about a vehicle repossession debt and another collection debt when completing his application, but failed to disclose them. He also had numerous other delinquent debts that remained unresolved, and he did not provide documentation to support either payment or disputes of these obligations. The judge found that the applicant made no meaningful effort to resolve his debts or establish a track record of debt management.
While the applicant's divorce and a period of unemployment were acknowledged as circumstances beyond his control, these did not mitigate the concerns. The judge concluded that the applicant did not take adequate steps to resolve his financial issues and intentionally omitted debts, demonstrating a lack of candor, reliability, trustworthiness, and good judgment. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has multiple unpaid debts totaling approximately $21,162, which remain unresolved.
- Applicant intentionally omitted relevant financial information from his security clearance application, demonstrating a lack of candor.
- The applicant failed to provide documentation supporting his claims of debt resolution or disputes.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.araisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.braisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts Regardless of the Ability to Do So
- F.1.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E.2.aappliedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- F.2.bappliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlApplicant's divorce and unemployment contributed to his financial issues.
- F.2.crejectedThe Individual Has Received or Is Receiving Financial CounselingThere is no evidence of financial counseling.
- F.2.drejectedThe Individual Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsApplicant has made no efforts to resolve his debts.
- F.2.erejectedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtApplicant failed to document disputes for the majority of debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 12, 2016
- Answer filedNov 19, 2016First answer was undated.
- Hearing heldJun 22, 2017
- Decision dateNov 22, 2017
Cite For
- Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Financial Irresponsibility and Its Impact on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline F
- The Importance of Providing Truthful Information During the Security Clearance Process.