Summary
The applicant, a 54-year-old military veteran, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to significant financial issues, including delinquent taxes and multiple unpaid debts. Despite having a steady income, the applicant failed to take adequate steps to resolve these financial obligations, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: You are indebted to a student loan in the approximate amount of $9,620, and that as of the date of the Statement of Reasons, the amount remains unpaid (1.a). You are indebted to a creditor for a repossessed vehicle in the approximate amount of $4,313, and that as of the date of the Statement of Reasons, the amount remains unpaid (1.b). You are indebted to a creditor for a cable bill in the approximate amount of $638, and that as of the date of the Statement of Reasons, the amount remains unpaid (1.c). You are indebted to a creditor for internet service in the approximate amount of $460, and that as of the date of the Statement of Reasons, the amount remains unpaid (1.d). You are indebted to a creditor for utility services in the approximate amount of $216, and that as of the date of the Statement of Reasons, the amount remains unpaid (1.e). You are indebted to a creditor for a judgment against you in the approximate amount of $10,190, and that as of the date of the Statement of Reasons, the amount remains unpaid (1.f). You are indebted to a creditor for a collection account in the approximate amount of $404, and that as of the date of the Statement of Reasons, the amount remains unpaid (1.g). You are indebted to a creditor for a credit card in the approximate amount of $641, and that as of the date of the Statement of Reasons, the amount remains unpaid (1.h). You are indebted to a town for an amount of $225, and that as of the date of the Statement of Reasons, the amount remains unpaid (1.i). You are indebted to a creditor for insurance in the approximate amount of $135, and that as of the date of the Statement of Reasons, the amount remains unpaid (1.j). You are indebted to a student loan in the approximate amount of $7,429, and that as of the date of the Statement of Reasons, the amount remains unpaid (1.k). You are indebted to a creditor for medical services in the approximate amount of $1,077, and that as of the date of the Statement of Reasons, the amount remains unpaid (1.m). You are indebted to a creditor for college in the approximate amount of $842, and that as of the date of the Statement of Reasons, the amount remains unpaid (1.n). You are indebted to the Federal Government for delinquent income taxes in the approximate amount of $30,000 owed for tax years 2007 through 2009, and that as of the date of the Statement of Reasons, the amount remains unpaid (1.o).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has numerous delinquent debts, including federal income taxes and student loans, which he has been unable or unwilling to satisfy; The applicant did not take action to resolve his debts even after his spousal support obligations ended, raising doubts about his reliability and judgment.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has numerous delinquent debts, including federal income taxes and student loans, which he has been unable or unwilling to satisfy.
- The applicant did not take action to resolve his debts even after his spousal support obligations ended, raising doubts about his reliability and judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure or inability to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 22, 2015
- Answer filedSep 18, 2015
- Hearing heldJun 21, 2016
- Decision dateAug 2, 2016
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Whole-person Factors in Financial Cases