Summary
A 35-year-old cable technician for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), F (Financial Considerations), G (Alcohol Consumption), H (Drug Involvement), and J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a history of 11 arrests over a 10-year period, including multiple alcohol-related offenses, domestic violence incidents, soliciting for prostitution, and a May 2007 arrest for marijuana possession and driving on a suspended license. Additionally, the applicant accumulated 17 delinquent debts exceeding $25,000, with no documented efforts to address them through financial counseling or repayment.
Further concerns arose from the applicant's omission of two alcohol-related arrests from his April 2007 security clearance application, which raised questions about his reliability and trustworthiness. While the applicant reported abstaining from drug use since December 2006, attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and completing court-ordered conditions for drug offenses, these efforts were deemed insufficient.
Despite the applicant's claims of progress in controlling emotions and avoiding alcohol, and his compliance with probation conditions, the judge found insufficient evidence of rehabilitation and financial responsibility. The lack of documented proof for debt consolidation efforts or individual creditor engagement, coupled with the significant omissions on his application, led to the decision to deny the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a history of 11 arrests over a 10-year period, including multiple alcohol-related offenses and domestic violence incidents.
- The applicant accumulated 17 delinquent debts exceeding $25,000 without documented efforts to resolve them.
- The applicant omitted significant alcohol-related arrests from his security clearance application, raising concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 30appliedCriminal Conduct
- AG ¶ 18appliedFinancial Considerations
- AG ¶ 21appliedAlcohol Consumption
Key Rule Quoted
“"Failure or inability to live within one’s means, satisfy debts and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 5, 2008
- Answer filedSep 19, 2008
- Hearing heldDec 16, 2008
- Decision dateJan 30, 2009
Cite For
- Denial Based on Extensive Criminal History Under Guideline J
- Financial Irresponsibility Due to Significant Delinquent Debts Under Guideline F
- Issues of Reliability and Trustworthiness Due to Omissions in the Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E.