Summary
A 32-year-old Systems Analyst with a Master's degree was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant faced allegations of deliberately falsifying information on his February 25, 2016 e-QIP by failing to disclose approximately $23,000 in overdue debts, including judgments, accounts turned over to collections, and debts over 120 days delinquent. He also failed to disclose two prior arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
Specifically, the applicant was arrested and charged with DUI on or about March 3, 2012, and again on or about January 18, 2015. For the 2015 conviction, he was found guilty, fined $2,000, completed community service, and was required to attend an 18-month alcohol-related course, which was not fully completed at the time of the hearing. He remains on 10-year probation for this conviction, scheduled to end in 2025. The applicant offered no explanation for omitting these DUI arrests from his e-QIP.
The judge denied the security clearance, citing the applicant's failure to resolve his substantial overdue debts and his lack of candor regarding both his financial situation and criminal history. The applicant had not sought financial counseling or taken significant steps to address his financial issues.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to substantial overdue debts totaling approximately $23,000 without evidence of resolution or reduction.
- The applicant deliberately omitted relevant financial information and DUI arrests from his e-QIP, demonstrating a lack of candor.
- The applicant has not sought financial counseling or taken significant steps to address his financial issues.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19.araisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- F.19.braisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts Regardless of the Ability to Do So
- F.19.craisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E.16.araisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- E.16.craisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- F.20.brejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant did not demonstrate responsible action to resolve debts.
- E.17rejectedMitigating Conditions for Personal ConductNo mitigating factors were applicable due to the applicant's lack of candor.
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 1, 2017
- Answer filedJul 7, 2017
- Hearing heldNov 8, 2017
- Decision dateJun 15, 2018
Cite For
- Failure to Resolve Significant Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Deliberate Falsification of Information on Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Lack of Candor as a Disqualifying Factor in Security Clearance Evaluations.