Summary
A 44-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had substantial delinquent debts exceeding $27,000. Specific financial issues included an outstanding cable service debt of $181, a $664 attorney’s fee debt related to his wife’s custody case, and a $1,361 delinquent credit card debt that was paid in September 2005 to secure a mortgage. Additionally, his September 2005 Countrywide mortgage was 180 days in arrears by September 2006.
The applicant claimed illiteracy and misunderstanding of the security clearance application questions. However, the judge found insufficient evidence to mitigate the financial concerns. Disqualifying conditions F.19(a) and F.19(c) were raised, while mitigating conditions F.20(a), F.20(b), F.20(c), F.20(d), and F.20(e) were considered.
Ultimately, the clearance was denied because the applicant had substantial delinquent debt he could not afford to repay, his financial issues were ongoing and likely to continue, and he failed to demonstrate a comprehensive plan to address his debts or follow through on financial counseling recommendations.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has substantial delinquent debt totaling over $27,000 that he cannot afford to repay.
- The applicant's financial issues are ongoing and likely to continue in the foreseeable future.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a comprehensive plan to address his debts or follow through on financial counseling recommendations.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- F.20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- F.20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem
- F.20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
- F.20(e)rejectedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 15, 2008
- Answer filedJan 28, 2008
- Hearing heldApr 22, 2008
- Decision dateJul 11, 2008
Cite For
- Financial Irresponsibility and Excessive Debt Load as Disqualifying Factors Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Evidence of Mitigating Circumstances Related to Financial Issues
- Illiteracy and Misunderstanding of Application Questions as a Defense Against Personal Conduct Allegations Under Guideline E