Summary
The applicant, a 42-year-old electronic technician with a history of military service, faced security clearance denial under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct) and F (Financial Considerations) due to numerous delinquent debts and falsification of his security clearance application regarding mental health treatment. The judge found that the applicant's financial irresponsibility and lack of candor raised significant concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant failed to disclose that, in February or March 2014, he sought counseling from a counselor and a medical doctor and received a prescription for depression, which he still takes (2.a). Applicant filed a petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in September 2007 and received a discharge in January 2008 (1.a). deficiency after auto repossession ($10,748) (1.b). judgment filed in September 2012 for unpaid rent ($3,431) (1.c). judgment filed in September 2012 for delinquent credit-card account ($864) (1.d). judgment filed in January 2012 for unpaid rent ($889) (1.e). judgment for delinquent credit-card account filed in November 2008 ($945) (1.f). delinquent credit-card account placed for collection ($953) (1.g). delinquent credit-card account placed for collection ($204) (1.h). medical bill placed for collection ($464) (1.i). medical bill placed for collection ($701) (1.j).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c), AG ¶ 16(a). The decision turned on the following: The applicant had numerous delinquent debts totaling approximately $19,000, indicating financial irresponsibility; The applicant falsified his security clearance application by omitting relevant mental health treatment, demonstrating a lack of candor; The applicant failed to provide documentation of debt resolution despite being given additional time to do so.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had numerous delinquent debts totaling approximately $19,000, indicating financial irresponsibility.
- The applicant falsified his security clearance application by omitting relevant mental health treatment, demonstrating a lack of candor.
- The applicant failed to provide documentation of debt resolution despite being given additional time to do so.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the AG.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 22, 2015
- Answer filedNov 3, 2015
- Hearing heldAug 18, 2016continued from June 8, 2016 due to applicant's overseas operational requirements
- Decision dateOct 18, 2016
Cite For
- Denial Based on Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Falsification of Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E
- Importance of Candor in the Security Clearance Process