Summary
The applicant, a 39-year-old defense contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to unresolved financial issues, including a $3,496 judgment and multiple delinquent debts. Despite some debts being mitigated, the applicant's refusal to pay the judgment and lack of evidence of financial responsibility led to a denial of security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: SOR ¶ 1.a alleges state tax liens of $253 that were entered in 2009 (1.a). SOR ¶ 1.b alleges state tax liens of $220 that were entered in 2010 (1.b). SOR ¶ 1.c alleges state tax liens of $213 that were entered in 2012 (1.c). SOR ¶ 1.d alleges state tax liens of $208 that were entered in 2012 (1.d). SOR ¶ 1.e alleges an unpaid $3,496 judgment from 2012 for a medical debt (1.e). SOR ¶ 1.f alleges a $3,224 medical debt, which appears to be the basis for the $3,496 judgment alleged in SOR ¶ 1.e (1.f). SOR ¶ 1.i alleges debts of $425 to a collection company on behalf of the city (1.i). SOR ¶ 1.j alleges debts of $353 to a collection company on behalf of the city (1.j).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(d), AG ¶ 20(e). The decision turned on the following: The applicant had unresolved financial obligations, including a judgment and delinquent debts; The applicant did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve the judgment or other debts; The applicant's financial issues raised doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had unresolved financial obligations, including a judgment and delinquent debts.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve the judgment or other debts.
- The applicant's financial issues raised doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant's financial issues are recent and ongoing.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial problems were related to his DUI and car accident.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay CreditorsThe applicant refused to pay the judgment and did not show evidence of resolving debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute Legitimacy of DebtThe applicant denied owing the debts but did not provide evidence to substantiate disputes.
Key Rule Quoted
“"Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 25, 2014
- Answer filedOct 14, 2014
- Hearing held—Decided on written record.
- Decision dateJun 23, 2015
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations
- Impact of Financial Irresponsibility on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Whole-person Concept in Financial Cases