Summary
A 54-year-old Department of Defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), F (Financial Considerations), H (Drug Involvement), and J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a history of financial difficulties, including multiple delinquent accounts and a prior bankruptcy, as well as past cocaine use and a recent arrest for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Specific financial issues included two state tax liens from 1997 and 1998, numerous accounts placed for collection or charged off between 2002 and 2007, several related to bad checks, and a judgment entered in 2007. Regarding drug involvement, the applicant admitted to cocaine use in 2000 or 2001 and was arrested in February 2006 for possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. This drug use occurred while holding a security clearance.
The judge found that the applicant failed to demonstrate responsible financial management and lacked candor in his security clearance application by not disclosing his drug use and certain financial delinquencies. The applicant did not show a good-faith effort to resolve his financial issues or take responsibility for his financial situation, leading to the denial.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a long history of financial problems, including multiple delinquent accounts and a prior bankruptcy discharge.
- The applicant failed to provide truthful information on his security clearance application regarding his financial delinquencies and drug use.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve his financial issues or take responsibility for his financial situation.
Conditions Referenced
- FC DC 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FC DC 19(c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- PC DC 16(a)appliedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- DI DC 25(a)appliedAny Drug Abuse
- DI DC 25(c)appliedIllegal Drug Possession
- DI DC 25(g)appliedAny Illegal Drug Use After Being Granted a Security Clearance
- FC MC 20(d)appliedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant made payments to resolve state tax liens.
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 issuedSep 15, 2008
- Answer filedNov 8, 2008
- Hearing heldFeb 25, 2009
- Decision dateMar 26, 2009
Cite For
- Failure to Demonstrate Responsible Financial Management Under Guideline F
- Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Drug Involvement and Its Implications for Security Clearance Under Guideline H