Summary
A 51-year-old project manager with military service was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), and Guideline K (Handling Protected Information). The denial stemmed from significant financial issues, personal conduct violations, and the mishandling of protected information.
The applicant faced allegations including a $127 medical debt, a $690 retail credit card debt, a $35,906 charged-off credit card debt, two telephone service debts totaling $4,146, two additional telephone service debts totaling $2,498, a $16,437 charged-off credit card debt, a foreclosed mortgage, and a $130 television service debt. The applicant admitted to approximately $60,000 in delinquent debts but provided no evidence of a repayment plan or financial counseling. Furthermore, the applicant failed to provide full, complete, and accurate financial information, including deliberately omitting delinquent debts from his e-QIP.
The judge found that the applicant deliberately or negligently failed to comply with rules for handling protected information. Ultimately, the applicant did not provide sufficient documentation to mitigate the security concerns raised by his delinquent debts, conduct violations, and the mishandling of protected information, leading to the denial of eligibility for access to classified information.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant did not provide sufficient documentation to mitigate security concerns related to financial considerations, personal conduct, and handling protected information.
- The applicant admitted to multiple delinquent debts totaling approximately $60,000 without evidence of a repayment plan or financial counseling.
- The applicant's failure to disclose delinquent debts on his e-QIP was deemed a deliberate omission, raising questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts Regardless of the Ability to Do So
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 35(g)raisedFailure to Comply with Rules for the Protection of Classified or Sensitive Information
- AG ¶ 35(h)raisedNegligence or Lapse Security Practices That Persist Despite Counseling by Management
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 issuedAug 30, 2017
- Answer filedSep 26, 2017
- Hearing held—Applicant elected to have the matter decided on the written record.
- Decision dateFeb 6, 2018
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Security Concerns Under Guideline F
- Deliberate Omission of Relevant Financial Information Under Guideline E
- Handling Protected Information Violations Under Guideline K