Summary
A 53-year-old defense contractor mechanic was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from significant financial issues and a lack of candor in his security clearance application.
The applicant faced allegations including delinquent federal taxes for 2011 totaling $827.49 and state taxes for 2013 totaling $914.36. Other financial issues included judgments for $3,445 (2014), $3,000 (2009, repossessed automobile), and $368 (2010). He also had a past-due home mortgage of $12,175, an automobile account past due by $864, and various other unpaid balances including medical accounts ($229, $100, $100), a cellular phone account ($71), an insurance account ($955), a cash advance account ($526), and a telephone account ($110).
The judge found that the applicant failed to mitigate these concerns. He admitted to multiple delinquent debts but did not demonstrate efforts to resolve them. Crucially, he provided false information on his e-QIP regarding his financial delinquencies, which constituted a lack of candor. His financial problems were not attributed to circumstances beyond his control, and he did not show a good-faith effort to address his debts.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to multiple delinquent debts and failed to demonstrate any efforts to resolve them.
- The applicant provided false information on his e-QIP regarding his financial delinquencies, which was deemed a lack of candor.
- The applicant's financial problems were not attributed to circumstances beyond his control, and he did not show a good-faith effort to address his debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedEvidence of Receiving Counseling for Financial ProblemsThe applicant completed financial counseling related to his bankruptcy.
Key Rule Quoted
“"A person who seeks access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 15, 2015
- Answer filedOct 2, 2015Initial response was incomplete.
- Hearing held—Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Decision dateJun 2, 2017
Cite For
- Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Financial Irresponsibility and Failure to Mitigate Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Financial Issues