Summary
A 58-year-old metrology operations program manager was granted a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) despite initial concerns. The Statement of Reasons (SOR) detailed six financial allegations. These included a charged-off second mortgage for $23,120, settled in full by November 27, 2013, and a collection account for $13,894. Other debts were a charged-off utility account for $598, paid and closed by July 17, 2013, and a charged-off department store debt for $268, opened by his son. Additionally, there was a collection account for $868 for a cell phone and another collection account for $200, also opened by his son.
The judge found that the applicant had resolved all listed debts, demonstrating financial responsibility. The financial difficulties were largely attributed to circumstances beyond his control, specifically a divorce and identity theft perpetrated by his son.
The decision to grant the clearance was further supported by the applicant's long-term employment in the defense industry and a history of successfully holding a security clearance, which affirmed his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant resolved all debts listed in the SOR, demonstrating financial responsibility.
- The financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, including a divorce and identity theft by his son.
- The applicant's long-term employment in the defense industry and previous successful clearance history supported 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)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 21, 2014
- Answer filedNov 6, 2014
- Hearing heldJun 8, 2016
- Decision dateSep 9, 2016
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Responsibility
- Whole-person Analysis in Security Clearance Determinations