Summary
The applicant, a 36-year-old defense contractor and former Navy service member, faced security clearance denial under Guidelines F (Financial Considerations) and G (Alcohol Consumption) due to significant unresolved debts totaling approximately $27,000 and a history of alcohol-related incidents, including two DUI arrests. The judge found that the applicant failed to demonstrate responsible management of his financial obligations and did not provide sufficient evidence of rehabilitation regarding his alcohol consumption.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: This overdue debt is cited in the SOR for a tax lien to State A in the amount of $1,049 (1.a). This overdue debt is cited in the SOR for a collection account in the amount of $20,178 (1.b). This overdue debt is cited in the SOR for a charged-off account in the amount of $876 (1.c). This overdue debt is cited in the SOR for a collection account in the amount of $340 (1.d). This overdue debt is cited in the SOR for a student loan account in the amount of $3,410 (1.e). This overdue debt is cited in the SOR for a student loan account in the amount of $1,505 (1.f). It is alleged in the SOR that on or about February 2007, Applicant was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI). Applicant was found guilty of Reckless Driving, fined $1,600 and his license was suspended for one year. In his RSOR, Applicant admitted this SOR allegation. (Item 3.) (2.a). It is alleged in the SOR that on or about August 2014, Applicant was arrested and charged with (1) Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI), (2) DUI Per Se, (3) Driving While Impaired by Alcohol, and (4) Unsafe Lane Change. The trial had been scheduled for February 2015. In his RSOR, Applicant admitted this SOR allegation, and wrote that he typically does not drink, but he believed that because at the time of this incident he weighed 30 pounds less that the previous time he had consumed alcohol, he did not realize that he had exceeded his alcohol limit. He also wrote, “I want to express that I truly do not drink on a normal basis and this incident will never happen again.” (Item 3.) In his post-FORM submission, Applicant wrote, “I want to express that I do not have an issue with alcohol consumption, I very rarely consume alcohol. I made a horrible mistake, I know that I should have used better judgment, and I truly am sorry.” (Item C.) No evidence was submitted as to the legal resolution of this 2014 incident (2.b).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c), AG ¶ 22(a), AG ¶ 22(c). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has unresolved debts totaling approximately $27,000, indicating an inability to manage financial obligations; The applicant has a history of alcohol-related incidents, including two DUI arrests, raising concerns about judgment and reliability; The applicant did not provide evidence of rehabilitation or responsible financial management.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has unresolved debts totaling approximately $27,000, indicating an inability to manage financial obligations.
- The applicant has a history of alcohol-related incidents, including two DUI arrests, raising concerns about judgment and reliability.
- The applicant did not provide evidence of rehabilitation or responsible financial management.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 22(a)appliedExcessive Alcohol Consumption Leading to Criminal Conduct
- AG ¶ 22(c)appliedBinge Consumption of Alcohol to the Point of Impaired Judgment
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure or inability 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 information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 20, 2015
- Answer filedFeb 13, 2015Applicant requested decision on written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateApr 27, 2016
Cite For
- Inability to Manage Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- History of Alcohol-related Incidents Impacting Judgment Under Guideline G
- Failure to Demonstrate Rehabilitation or Responsible Financial Management.