Summary
A 53-year-old electronics technician was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The applicant had a history of alcohol-related incidents and offenses between 1984 and 2012, including multiple charges for driving while intoxicated, DUI, reckless driving, and possessing open alcoholic containers. He also admitted to public intoxication and additional DUI incidents. The judge found that this pattern demonstrated questionable judgment and unreliability.
Financially, the applicant had accumulated seven delinquent debts totaling $415, owed $37,014 on his mortgage, and had unpaid student loans of $16,635. He had filed both Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcies from 2003 to the present, and was currently making bi-monthly payments of $462 to a bankruptcy trustee. This history indicated a pattern of not regularly paying debts and using bankruptcy to resolve them.
The denial was based on the applicant's long history of alcohol-related offenses without demonstrated rehabilitation, and his financial history of multiple bankruptcies and unpaid debts, which collectively indicated a lack of responsibility and raised doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of alcohol-related offenses, including multiple DUIs and public intoxication incidents.
- He has not demonstrated rehabilitation or significant behavioral changes regarding his alcohol consumption.
- The applicant's financial history includes multiple bankruptcies and unpaid debts, indicating a lack of responsibility in managing his finances.
Conditions Referenced
- G 22(a)appliedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G 22(c)appliedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- E 16(c)appliedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- E 16(e)appliedPersonal Conduct Creating Vulnerability to Exploitation
- F 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F 19(c)appliedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- G 23(a)rejectedTime Has Passed or Behavior Was InfrequentThe applicant continues to consume alcohol, raising concerns about potential future incidents.
- E 17(a)rejectedPrompt, Good-faith Efforts to Correct BehaviorThe applicant has not taken steps to address his alcohol-related issues.
- F 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant did not demonstrate responsible actions to mitigate his financial problems.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 24, 2015
- Answer filedOct 6, 2015
- Hearing heldDec 20, 2016
- Decision dateMay 15, 2017
Cite For
- Denial Based on a Pattern of Alcohol-related Offenses and Financial Mismanagement
- Application of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Determinations
- Impact of Ongoing Substance Abuse on Security Clearance Eligibility