Summary
A 39-year-old U.S. Army veteran and production control clerk was denied a security clearance based on Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from approximately $9,000 in delinquent debt accrued between 1996 and 2004, and 18 criminal charges for bouncing checks during the same period.
Specific financial concerns included a $1,300 bounced check to a car dealership, a $4,092 deficiency after a 2001 vehicle repossession, and a $3,605 deficiency following a second vehicle repossession in 2004. The applicant also owed approximately $551 to a cable television company. While she contested some debts and claimed others were satisfied, she provided insufficient evidence of resolving her financial issues or taking significant steps to address her indebtedness.
A primary factor in the denial was the applicant's failure to disclose the 18 criminal charges for worthless checks on her 2004 security clearance application. This omission, combined with the criminal conduct and unresolved financial issues, led to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant accrued approximately $9,000 of delinquent debt between 1996 and 2004.
- Applicant was charged criminally on 18 occasions for bouncing checks.
- Applicant failed to disclose the criminal charges on her 2004 security clearance application.
- Applicant provided scant evidence of resolving her financial problems.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedFinancial Considerations Disqualifying ConditionA history of not meeting financial obligations.
- AG ¶ 19(d)raisedFinancial Considerations Disqualifying ConditionDeceptive or illegal financial practices.
- AG ¶ 19(e)raisedFinancial Considerations Disqualifying ConditionConsistent spending beyond one’s means.
- AG ¶ 16(a)appliedPersonal Conduct Disqualifying ConditionDeliberate omission, concealment, or falsification of relevant facts.
- AG ¶ 31(a)appliedCriminal Conduct Disqualifying ConditionA single serious crime or multiple lesser offenses.
Key Rule Quoted
“The issuance of the clearance is 'clearly consistent with the national interest.'”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 16, 2006
- Answer filedJan 29, 2007Applicant admitted some allegations and denied others.
- Hearing heldApr 19, 2007Hearing rescheduled from April 17, 2007.
- Decision dateMay 30, 2007
Cite For
- Failure to Disclose Criminal Charges on Security Clearance Application
- History of Financial Irresponsibility Impacting Security Clearance
- Impact of Personal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility