Summary
A 32-year-old customer service representative for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), Guideline H (Drug Involvement), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant had nine delinquent debts totaling $24,006, a 2002 tax lien, and an additional $11,000 in unaddressed delinquent debts. He also denied owing a $13,000 credit union account. The applicant had not sought credit counseling or made a good-faith effort to resolve his debts, which were deemed ongoing and uncontrolled, though he did resolve one debt.
Regarding drug involvement and criminal conduct, the applicant had a history of illegal substance abuse spanning over six years, including regular marijuana use until September 2007. He was arrested three times for illegal drug possession, resulting in two convictions. Despite this long history, the applicant had not sought professional substance abuse rehabilitation and did not provide corroborating evidence for his claims of ceasing drug use.
The judge determined that the applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence to mitigate these concerns. Specifically, he did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve his debts, and his history of illegal drug use, coupled with a lack of professional treatment and corroborating evidence, raised serious questions about his reliability and trustworthiness. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve his significant delinquent debts totaling $24,006.
- The applicant's history of illegal drug use, including regular marijuana use until September 2007, raised serious concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant did not seek professional treatment for his substance abuse issues, nor did he provide corroborating evidence for his claims of having ceased drug use.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- AG ¶ 31(a)raisedA Single Serious Crime or Multiple Lesser Offenses
- AG ¶ 31(c)raisedAllegation or Admission of Criminal Conduct
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 29, 2008
- Answer filedJul 7, 2008Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateDec 30, 2008
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- History of Illegal Drug Use Impacting Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline H
- Criminal Conduct Raising Doubts About Reliability and Trustworthiness Under Guideline J