Summary
A 33-year-old federal contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption). The applicant had substantial delinquent debts exceeding $25,000, including numerous medical debts, a telephone debt, and a credit card debt. One medical debt became delinquent in March 2007, and a tax lien arose from a $419 deficiency. While a $556 telephone debt was settled for $400, and an $8,728 credit card debt was disputed, only minimal payments were made on the overall delinquent debt.
Additionally, the applicant had a history of alcohol consumption, at times to excess, since 1994. This included an arrest and conviction in 1994 for illegal possession of alcohol, and two arrests and convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) in November 2000 and February 2004. The applicant continued to consume alcohol.
The judge denied the security clearance, citing insufficient evidence of financial responsibility and ongoing alcohol consumption issues. The applicant did not present a comprehensive plan to address financial problems or demonstrate effective rehabilitation regarding alcohol use.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has substantial delinquent debt totaling over $25,000, with only minimal payments made recently.
- The applicant has a history of alcohol-related offenses, including multiple DUIs, and continues to consume alcohol.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a comprehensive plan to address his financial issues or provide evidence of effective rehabilitation regarding alcohol consumption.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- G.22(a)raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.22(c)raisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- F.20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant's financial issues arose within the last eight years and remain unresolved.
- F.20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant did not provide evidence that his financial problems were due to circumstances beyond his control.
- F.20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant's repayment efforts are minimal and do not demonstrate a comprehensive plan.
- G.23(a)rejectedTime Has Passed or Behavior Was InfrequentThe applicant's alcohol-related incidents occurred within the last ten years, with the most recent being four years ago.
- G.23(b)rejectedAcknowledgment of Alcoholism and Actions TakenThe applicant did not provide evidence of a clear pattern of abstinence or responsible use of alcohol.
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 issuedApr 9, 2008
- Answer filedMay 5, 2008
- Hearing heldJul 31, 2008
- Decision dateSep 17, 2008
Cite For
- Insufficient Evidence of Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Ongoing Alcohol Consumption Issues Under Guideline G
- The Impact of Unresolved Delinquent Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility