Summary
Darlene D. Anderson, a 45-year-old Physician Assistant, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from a history of significant financial instability and a perceived lack of effective action to resolve these issues.
Specifically, Anderson filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in December 2013, followed by Chapter 11 bankruptcies in August 2014 and June 2015, all of which were subsequently dismissed. She also had five delinquent debts totaling approximately $20,676. This included $18,000 owed to the IRS for back taxes from 2010 and 2011, an additional $8,000 for 2011, and $10,000 for 2012. Other debts included a $243 collection account, a $2,254 charged-off debt, and a $179 collection account. A state tax lien of approximately $39,849.04 was also entered against her in October 2015, and she failed to timely file her 2010 and 2011 federal income tax returns.
The judge determined that while some circumstances were beyond her control, Anderson failed to demonstrate sufficient action to resolve her financial issues. Her continued engagement in vacations and maintenance of multiple properties and vehicles, despite her financial difficulties, raised doubts about her judgment and reliability, ultimately leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant filed for bankruptcy three times and has five delinquent debts totaling approximately $20,676.
- Applicant failed to provide evidence of actions taken to resolve her debts or financial issues.
- Despite financial difficulties, Applicant engaged in vacations and maintained multiple properties and vehicles, indicating poor judgment.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.araisedInability to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.braisedUnwillingness to Satisfy Debts Regardless of the Ability to Do So
- F.1.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.1.eraisedConsistent Spending Beyond One's Means
- F.1.fraisedFailure to File or Fraudulently Filing Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax Returns
- E.1.craisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Areas
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for national security eligibility will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 29, 2016
- Answer filedAug 16, 2016
- Hearing held—Decided on written record without a hearing.
- Decision dateAug 14, 2017
Cite For
- Failure to Demonstrate Effective Action to Resolve Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Poor Judgment in Personal Conduct Due to Financial Irresponsibility
- Impact of Financial Distress on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline E and F.