Summary
The applicant, a 29-year-old Environmental Health and Safety Engineer, faced security clearance denial under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to significant financial debts and falsification of his security clearance application regarding his financial status. The judge found that the applicant's financial difficulties were exacerbated by personal circumstances but concluded that he had not demonstrated sufficient efforts to resolve his debts or maintain honesty in his application.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant deliberately falsified his e-QIP in response to questions regarding his delinquent debts (2.a). Delinquent ECMC student loans totaling approximately $33,000 (1.a). Delinquent Department of Education student loans totaling approximately $32,000 (1.b). Delinquent Department of Education student loans totaling approximately $32,000 (1.c). Delinquent Department of Education student loans totaling approximately $32,000 (1.d). Delinquent Department of Education student loans totaling approximately $32,000 (1.e). Delinquent Department of Education student loans totaling approximately $32,000 (1.f). Delinquent credit card debt in the amount of $4,478 (1.g). Delinquent credit card debt in the amount of $4,478 (1.h). A debt to a creditor for an account that was charged off in the amount of $4,006 remains owing (1.i). A debt owed to an apartment management company was placed for collection in the amount of approximately $4,008 (1.j). A debt owed to an apartment management company was placed for collection in the amount of approximately $4,008 (1.k).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(b), AG ¶ 19(c), AG ¶ 16(a). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has approximately $76,000 in delinquent debts, including student loans and credit card debt; The applicant deliberately falsified his e-QIP by failing to disclose his delinquent debts, indicating a lack of candor and trustworthiness; The applicant has not shown a good faith effort to resolve his financial obligations or establish a stable financial situation.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has approximately $76,000 in delinquent debts, including student loans and credit card debt.
- The applicant deliberately falsified his e-QIP by failing to disclose his delinquent debts, indicating a lack of candor and trustworthiness.
- The applicant has not shown a good faith effort to resolve his financial obligations or establish a stable financial situation.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debt Regardless of the Ability to Do So
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlWhile the applicant faced personal challenges, he did not demonstrate sufficient efforts to resolve his debts.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant has not initiated or adhered to a repayment plan for his debts.
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 issuedJan 3, 2018
- Answer filedJan 18, 2018
- Hearing heldMay 8, 2018
- Decision dateJul 10, 2018
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Significant Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Stability and Trustworthiness Assessments