Summary
A 28-year-old electronic technician and former Marine was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons detailed numerous delinquent debts, including an apartment debt of $1,149, a medical bill of $445, and multiple credit card and department store accounts ranging from $367 to $10,946, many of which were charged off or placed for collection between 2005 and 2008. Additionally, the applicant failed to list these financial delinquencies on her security clearance questionnaire dated June 4, 2007.
The judge determined that the applicant's financial issues were largely beyond her control, as the debts were primarily incurred by her mother through identity theft without the applicant's knowledge. This finding mitigated the concerns under Guideline F. Furthermore, the applicant demonstrated current financial stability, possessing significant investments and no recent delinquencies.
Regarding Guideline E, the judge found no intent to deceive in the applicant's omission of debts on her questionnaire. A positive character reference from her manager also supported her reliability. Based on these mitigating factors, the security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant's debts were primarily incurred by her mother using her identity without her knowledge.
- The applicant demonstrated current financial stability with significant investments and no recent delinquencies.
- The applicant's manager provided a positive character reference, supporting her reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- FC DC 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FC DC 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- PC DC 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification
- FC MC 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened Long Ago or Infrequently
- FC MC 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- FC MC 20(e)appliedReasonable Basis to Dispute Legitimacy of Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“The ultimate determination of whether to grant eligibility for a security clearance must be an overall common sense judgment based upon careful consideration of the guidelines and the whole person concept.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 8, 2008
- Answer filedJan 3, 2009
- Hearing heldJun 15, 2009
- Decision dateJun 30, 2009
Cite For
- Identity Theft as a Mitigating Factor Under Guideline F
- Lack of Intent to Deceive in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Importance of Current Financial Stability in Mitigating Past Financial Issues