Summary
The applicant, a 47-year-old research analyst, faced security clearance denial under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to approximately $22,000 in delinquent debts and failure to disclose significant financial issues on her security questionnaire. The judge found insufficient evidence to mitigate the security concerns stemming from her financial irresponsibility and dishonesty in the clearance process.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant failed to disclose she was more than 180 days past due on her debts when she completed her Questionnaire for National Security Positions (2.b). A $360 state tax lien was filed against Applicant in November 1998 (1.a). Applicant owes $250 on a telephone bill (1.b). Applicant owes $93 on a telephone bill (1.c). Applicant had a $47 dishonored check, which has been paid (1.d). Applicant owes $948 to a collection agency, originally $513 (1.e). Applicant has a delinquent $9,410 credit card debt (1.f). Applicant owes $8,510 on a collection account (1.g). Applicant owes $2,678 for student loans, with payments made (1.h). Applicant owes $1,669 on a charged off credit card (1.i). Applicant is $241 delinquent on a store credit card (1.j). Applicant owes $295 on a cell phone account (1.k).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions FDC 19(a), FDC 19(c), PCDC 16(a). The judge applied mitigating conditions FMC 20(b), FMC 20(d). The decision turned on the following: Applicant owed approximately $22,000 on 11 delinquent accounts, with nine debts remaining unpaid; Applicant failed to disclose being more than 180 days past due on her debts in her security questionnaire; The record evidence was insufficient to mitigate the negative security implications based on financial considerations and personal conduct.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant owed approximately $22,000 on 11 delinquent accounts, with nine debts remaining unpaid.
- Applicant failed to disclose being more than 180 days past due on her debts in her security questionnaire.
- The record evidence was insufficient to mitigate the negative security implications based on financial considerations and personal conduct.
Conditions Referenced
- FDC 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FDC 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- PCDC 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- FMC 20(b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlApplicant failed to explain how the events caused the financial problems.
- FMC 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsApplicant did not demonstrate a systematic method for handling her debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“"The presence or absence of a particular condition or factor for or against clearance is not determinative of a conclusion for or against an applicant."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 15, 2007
- Answer filedApr 18, 2007Applicant elected to proceed without a hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing was conducted.
- Decision dateSep 28, 2007
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Significant Delinquent Debts Under Guideline F
- Failure to Disclose Financial Issues on Security Questionnaire Under Guideline E
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Financial and Personal Conduct Concerns.