Summary
A 39-year-old male applicant with a high school education was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from numerous delinquent debts totaling approximately $27,800 and intentional omissions of relevant information on his security clearance application.
Specifically, the applicant failed to report a 2007 felony for vehicle theft, a 2009 arrest for contempt of court, and a 2011 arrest for unauthorized use of identification and driving on a suspended license. He also did not disclose that he was awaiting trial for a 2009 felony arrest for identity theft and burglary, nor did he provide full information regarding his firing from employment for unfavorable conduct.
Regarding financial considerations, the applicant had outstanding federal income taxes for 2004 and 2012 totaling $14,000, state tax liens from 2008 and 2013 for $1,696 and $1,196 respectively, and a range of other delinquent accounts including an auto account, multiple credit card debts, child support, and various collection accounts. The judge found that the applicant did not provide sufficient documentation to mitigate these security concerns, admitting to the debts and omissions, and failing to demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve his financial issues.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant did not provide sufficient documentation to mitigate security concerns for financial considerations and personal conduct.
- Applicant admitted to numerous delinquent debts and intentionally omitted relevant information on his security clearance application.
- The applicant's financial issues were not resolved, and he did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to address his debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(f)raisedFailure to Pay Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax as Required
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
Key Rule Quoted
“A person who seeks access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 17, 2017
- Answer filedJun 8, 2017Applicant admitted 17 and denied 2 allegations.
- Hearing held—Applicant elected to have the matter decided on the written record.
- Decision dateDec 26, 2017
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Security Concerns Under Guideline F
- Deliberate Omission of Relevant Information Under Guideline E
- Importance of Providing Accurate Information on Security Clearance Applications