Summary
The applicant, a 30-year-old father of five, faced security concerns under Guideline F for financial considerations and Guideline E for personal conduct, which were ultimately withdrawn. The applicant's financial issues included numerous unresolved debts despite attempts to manage them through a credit counseling service. The judge found that the applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient progress in resolving his financial obligations, leading to a denial of his security clearance.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Charged-off debt for a repossessed vehicle purchased in 2009, amounting to $13,529 (1.a). Delinquent telephone service debt of $1,427 since October 2016 (1.b). $660 in arrears on child support payments (1.c). Charged-off debt of $625, paid in February 2018 (1.d). Involuntary vehicle repossession debt of $8,735, unresolved since September 2014 (1.e). Judgment of $3,186 for unpaid tires and rims package (1.f). Charged-off furniture debt of $3,821, unresolved since March 2014 (1.g). Judgment of $2,227, same as SOR ¶ 1.f (1.h). Medical debt of $3,044, unresolved (1.i). Debt of $1,595, unresolved (1.j). Medical debt of $606 from 2012, unresolved (1.k).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions F.1.a, F.1.c. The judge applied mitigating conditions F.2.b, F.2.d. The decision turned on the following: The applicant has numerous unresolved delinquent debts that raise concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness; Despite working with a credit counseling service for several years, the applicant did not provide evidence of substantial progress in resolving his debts; The applicant's financial problems cast doubt on his good judgment and ability to protect classified information.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has numerous unresolved delinquent debts that raise concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- Despite working with a credit counseling service for several years, the applicant did not provide evidence of substantial progress in resolving his debts.
- The applicant's financial problems cast doubt on his good judgment and ability to protect classified information.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.araisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.2.bappliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's underemployment may be a circumstance beyond his control.
- F.2.drejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve his overdue debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness, and ability to protect classified or sensitive information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 26, 2018
- Answer filedFeb 26, 2018
- Hearing heldJul 26, 2018
- Decision dateOct 18, 2018
Cite For
- Evaluation of Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Application of Mitigating Conditions Related to Financial Counseling