Summary
A 35-year-old security officer was granted a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) despite multiple delinquent debts. The Statement of Reasons detailed several financial obligations, including past-due apartment rent of $5,670, two credit card accounts in collection for $1,587 and $369 respectively, another credit card in collection for $871, and a telephone service account in collection for $1,281. Additionally, a federal tax lien for $28,699 was noted, along with three separate instances of traffic camera tickets totaling $240, $240, and $55.
Disqualifying conditions under AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c), and AG ¶ 19(f) were raised due to these financial issues. However, the judge applied mitigating conditions under AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(d), and AG ¶ 20(g).
The clearance was granted because the applicant demonstrated a consistent payment plan for his delinquent debts and made good-faith efforts to resolve his financial obligations. It was also determined that his financial issues were largely due to circumstances beyond his control, primarily stemming from co-signing for relatives. The judge concluded that the applicant had successfully mitigated the financial security concerns.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant established a consistent payment plan for delinquent debts.
- He demonstrated good faith efforts to resolve financial obligations.
- The applicant's financial issues were largely due to circumstances beyond his control.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(f)raisedFailure to File or Fraudulently Filing Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax Returns or Failure to Pay Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax as Required
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur and Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual's Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good Judgment
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Has Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay the Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(g)appliedThe Individual Has Made Arrangements with the Appropriate Tax Authority to File or Pay the Amount Owed and Is in Compliance with Those Arrangements
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 8, 2016
- Answer filedDec 28, 2016
- Hearing heldMar 14, 2018Hearing conducted as scheduled.
- Decision dateMay 14, 2018Record closed after receiving last exhibit.
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Impact of Co-signing Debts on Financial Responsibility