Summary
The applicant, a 30-year-old employee of a defense contractor, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to significant outstanding debts totaling over $68,000. Despite being considered a hardworking employee, the applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of efforts to resolve his financial issues, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant is indebted to Full Sail Nelnet in the approximate amount of $62,353.00. This student loan debt was placed for collection (1.a). Applicant is indebted to MBNA in the approximate amount of $2,264.00. This debt was placed for collection (1.b). Applicant has three separate medical-related debts in the amounts of $100.00, $414.00, and $279.00. All three debts were placed for collection in 2006 (1.c). Applicant is indebted to Adelphia Cable in the approximate amount of $1,556.00. This debt was placed for collection (1.d). Applicant is indebted to Providian Financial in the approximate amount of $1,346.00. This debt was charged off as a bad debt (1.e). Applicant is indebted to Asset Acceptance in the approximate amount of $100.00. This debt was placed for collection (1.f). Applicant is indebted to a hospital in the approximate amount of $334.00 as a result of a judgment entered against him in 2000 (1.g). Applicant is indebted to Southern Management in the approximate amount of $1,742.00. This debt has been placed for collection (1.h).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19.a, AG ¶ 19.c. The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20.a, AG ¶ 20.b, AG ¶ 20.c, AG ¶ 20.d. The decision turned on the following: The applicant has a long history of inability or unwillingness to pay debts; The applicant's financial problems were not caused by conditions largely beyond his control; The applicant did not initiate any meaningful action to repay his debts.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of inability or unwillingness to pay debts.
- The applicant's financial problems were not caused by conditions largely beyond his control.
- The applicant did not initiate any meaningful action to repay his debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19.aappliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19.cappliedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20.arejectedBehavior Happened Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant's numerous debts are still outstanding.
- AG ¶ 20.brejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial problems were not caused by conditions largely beyond his control.
- AG ¶ 20.cappliedReceived Counseling for the ProblemThis applies only to the applicant's student loan debts.
- AG ¶ 20.drejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe applicant has not initiated any meaningful action to repay his debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt as to whether access to classified information is clearly consistent with national security will be resolved in favor of the national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 29, 2008
- Answer filedMay 19, 2008
- Hearing held—Applicant represented himself (Pro Se).
- Decision dateOct 28, 2008
Cite For
- Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Demonstrating Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Financial Issues