Summary
A 32-year-old defense contractor and military veteran was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant had unresolved financial issues, including $11,234 in back child support and a $406 debt, contributing to approximately $40,000 in delinquent debts.
The applicant also had a history of alcohol-related criminal offenses. These included arrests for public intoxication in January 2011, twice in October 2011, and October 2012. He was also arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in June 2011, November 2013, and June 2015. On each occasion, he admitted to heavy intoxication. Although not diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder, he has a history of excessive consumption.
The applicant attended a 24-week substance-abuse program and received additional counseling through the Department of Veterans Affairs. He is currently on ten years of probation, during which he is prohibited from drinking alcohol. However, the judge found that the applicant did not mitigate the concerns, citing the multiple recent and frequent alcohol-related offenses and unresolved financial issues, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has multiple alcohol-related criminal offenses, including three DWIs, which raise significant concerns about his judgment and reliability.
- The applicant has unresolved financial issues, including delinquent debts totaling approximately $40,000, which he has not made efforts to pay off.
- The applicant's history of alcohol consumption and criminal conduct was recent and frequent, undermining any claims of rehabilitation.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- G.22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- J.31(a)raisedA Single Serious Crime or Multiple Lesser Offenses
- J.31(c)raisedAllegation or Admission of Criminal Conduct
- F.20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlThe applicant's legal problems were not beyond his control.
- F.20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant has not received financial counseling.
- G.23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Evidence of Actions Taken to Overcome This ProblemThe applicant's history of alcohol-related offenses and lack of evidence of rehabilitation do not support mitigation.
- J.32(d)rejectedEvidence of Successful RehabilitationThe applicant is still on probation and has not demonstrated a clear pattern of rehabilitation.
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 issuedAug 15, 2015
- Answer filedSep 17, 2015
- Hearing heldJun 21, 2016
- Decision dateJul 29, 2016
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Impact of Multiple Alcohol-related Offenses on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guidelines G and J
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions.