Summary
A 36-year-old prospective defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had a history of daily marijuana use and significant delinquent debts.
Regarding financial concerns, the applicant filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2006, which discharged his debts that year. However, he subsequently accumulated 13 new delinquent debts totaling approximately $19,900, all of which he admitted owing. The applicant had a sporadic work record, including seasonal work and extended periods of unemployment, and was unemployed when he submitted his SF 86 and during his background investigation in February 2014. At that time, he stated he was unable to pay his delinquent debts but would do so if he obtained a job. No evidence of payments toward these debts was provided.
The judge found that the applicant did not mitigate these concerns. Specifically, he was unable to demonstrate a credible intent to abstain from future drug use, and he failed to provide evidence of any payments or a plan to address his numerous delinquent debts. The judge concluded that the applicant's financial issues were recent and ongoing, casting doubt on his reliability, trustworthiness, and good judgment.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of daily marijuana use and was unable to demonstrate a credible intent to abstain from drug use in the future.
- The applicant has numerous delinquent debts totaling approximately $19,900 and failed to provide evidence of any payments or a plan to address these debts.
Conditions Referenced
- H.25(a)raisedDrug Abuse
- H.25(c)raisedIllegal Drug Possession
- F.19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- H.26(a)rejectedBehavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's past drug use continues to cast doubt on his reliability.
- H.26(b)rejectedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs in the FutureThe applicant's statements did not sufficiently mitigate concerns due to lack of evidence of abstinence.
- F.20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond ControlThe applicant's financial issues were not shown to be beyond his control.
- F.20(c)rejectedCounseling for Financial ProblemsThere was no evidence of counseling or efforts to resolve financial issues.
- F.20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe applicant did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to address his debts.
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 issuedNov 21, 2014
- Answer filedDec 12, 2014Applicant elected to proceed without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Case decided on written record.
- Decision dateAug 7, 2015
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Drug Involvement Issues
- Financial Irresponsibility as a Disqualifying Factor
- Lack of Credible Evidence of Rehabilitation or Intent to Resolve Financial Issues