Summary
A 38-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to unresolved issues under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The applicant filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October 2002, discharging $70,000 in debt. Since then, he accumulated $121,000 in new debt, including $30,000 on credit cards, with half attributed to gambling. He and his wife continued to gamble, spending approximately $400 monthly, and he used a $26,000 home-secured line of credit to pay off credit cards. The applicant gambled two weeks before his hearing, losing an estimated $1,000 in 2007.
Regarding alcohol consumption, the applicant had a history of alcohol-related incidents and received treatment for alcohol abuse in 2005. However, he failed to complete recommended aftercare and continued to consume alcohol despite his diagnosis and treatment.
The judge found insufficient evidence of positive behavioral changes to mitigate these security risks. The applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient changes regarding alcohol consumption and gambling, continued to gamble despite significant financial concerns and a history of bankruptcy due to gambling-related debts, and did not complete recommended aftercare for alcohol treatment. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient positive changes in behavior regarding alcohol consumption and gambling.
- He continued to gamble despite substantial financial concerns and a history of bankruptcy due to gambling-related debts.
- The applicant did not complete the recommended aftercare for his alcohol treatment and continued to drink, undermining claims of sobriety.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(i)raisedCompulsive or Addictive Gambling
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's ongoing gambling was not considered beyond his control.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived or Receiving Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant did not provide evidence of effective counseling or resolution of his gambling issues.
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant demonstrated some effort to manage debts but continued gambling undermined this.
Key Rule Quoted
“The responsibility for producing evidence initially falls on the Government to demonstrate that it is not clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue Applicant's access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 19, 2006
- Answer filedOct 16, 2006
- Hearing heldMay 17, 2007
- Decision dateJun 26, 2007
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Ongoing Gambling Addiction Under Guideline F
- Failure to Mitigate Alcohol Consumption Issues Under Guideline G
- Insufficient Evidence of Behavioral Reform in Financial and Substance Abuse Matters