Summary
A 53-year-old mail room clerk was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from seven delinquent debts totaling $13,962 and the intentional falsification of financial information on his security clearance application.
Specifically, the applicant failed to disclose multiple debts on his June 21, 2006, application, answering "No" to questions regarding debts over 180 days old and any debt over 90 days delinquent. These undisclosed debts included a credit card account delinquent since November 2000 for $4,768, an account delinquent since July 2003 for $3,602, and a department store account delinquent since October 2002 for $408, among others.
The judge found insufficient evidence of financial responsibility and a lack of candor in the applicant's disclosures. The applicant failed to demonstrate that his financial issues were under control or that he had taken steps to address them, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has seven delinquent debts totaling $13,962, with insufficient evidence of repayment efforts.
- Applicant intentionally provided false information regarding his debts on his security clearance application.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that his financial issues were under control or that he had taken steps to address them.
Conditions Referenced
- FDC 19.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FDC 19.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- PC DC 16.araisedDeliberate Omission, Falsification of Relevant Facts
- FMC 20.arejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to RecurWhile some debts were old, the lack of evidence of improved financial habits precludes a finding in favor.
- FMC 20.brejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlThe applicant's job loss was brief and occurred over six years ago, providing ample opportunity to address debts.
- PC MC 17.arejectedPrompt, Good-faith Efforts to Correct the OmissionThe applicant did not acknowledge the omissions until confronted, failing to demonstrate proactive behavior.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 5, 2008
- Answer filedSep 4, 2008
- Hearing heldNov 19, 2008
- Decision dateFeb 24, 2009
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Impact of Intentional Falsification on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline E
- Evaluation of Financial Habits and Their Implications for Trustworthiness in Security Clearance Cases.