Summary
The applicant, a 43-year-old male and U.S. Air Force veteran, faced security clearance denial under Guideline F due to over $33,700 in unresolved delinquent debts, including a tax lien. The judge found that the applicant failed to demonstrate control over his financial difficulties, leading to significant security concerns.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant admitted owing a judgment in the amount of $2,437 to an automobile finance firm (1.a). Applicant denied owing $535 for a judgment to a realty firm (1.b). Applicant admitted that he owed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at least $12,418 in unpaid back taxes (1.c). Applicant denied owing $351 for a past-due medical debt (1.d). Applicant admitted owing $440 for a past-due utility bill (1.e). Applicant denied owing $110 for a past-due medical debt (1.f). Applicant denied owing $63 for a past-due medical debt (1.g). Applicant admitted owing a past-due telephone bill in the amount of $191 (1.h). Applicant denied owing a second past-due telephone bill to the same creditor in the amount of $45 (1.i). Applicant admitted owing $1,907 for a charged-off account (1.j). Applicant admitted owing a judgment in the amount of $1,975 (1.k). Applicant admitted owing a creditor $9,124 for the balance due on a vehicle that had been repossessed (1.l). Applicant admitted owing $1,250 in past-due child support (1.m). Applicant admitted owing $591 to a bank for a charged-off account (1.n). Applicant admitted owing $1,070 for a past-due account (1.o). Applicant admitted owing $1,047 for a past-due account (1.p). Applicant denied owing a past-due medical bill in the amount of $100 (1.q). Applicant denied owing a past-due medical bill in the amount of $75 (1.r). Applicant denied owing a past-due medical bill in the amount of $63 (1.s).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(b), AG ¶ 19(c), AG ¶ 19(f). The decision turned on the following: Applicant incurred over $33,700 in delinquent debts, including a tax lien, which he has not repaid or resolved; Applicant did not provide evidence of financial counseling or a plan to manage his debts; The applicant's financial issues raised substantial doubt about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant incurred over $33,700 in delinquent debts, including a tax lien, which he has not repaid or resolved.
- Applicant did not provide evidence of financial counseling or a plan to manage his debts.
- The applicant's financial issues raised substantial doubt about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(f)raisedFailure to Pay Taxes
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure 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 or sensitive information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 7, 2016
- Answer filedMar 22, 2016Applicant requested a decision on the written record.
- Decision dateOct 5, 2017
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations
- Impact of Financial Distress on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Failure to Demonstrate Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F