Summary
A 40-year-old former military service member was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to unresolved delinquent debts totaling $20,981 and an alleged falsification on her SF-86. The Statement of Reasons detailed ten specific debts, including medical bills, cellular phone charges, and an automobile loan. While one $180 student loan was paid, and the applicant provided evidence of paying a $355 portion of a $14,088 automobile debt, the majority remained unresolved.
Specific unresolved debts included a $987 medical bill from 2002, a $423 cellular debt from 2002, a $14,088 automobile debt, a $3,945 credit card debt from 2007, and several other medical and cellular debts ranging from $74 to $482, some dating back to 2001. The applicant claimed unfamiliarity with some debts, disputed others, or cited issues with payment processing, but often failed to provide evidence of formal dispute or resolution efforts.
The denial was based on the applicant's history of financial irresponsibility, insufficient evidence of debt resolution efforts or financial counseling, and the negligent omission of delinquent debts on her SF-86. These factors raised concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has a history of unresolved delinquent debts totaling $20,981, indicating financial irresponsibility.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of efforts to resolve her debts or obtain financial counseling.
- The applicant's omission of delinquent debts on her SF 86 was deemed negligent, raising concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant demonstrated a good-faith effort by paying her student loan.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlWhile some financial issues stemmed from unemployment, the applicant did not act responsibly to resolve her debts.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant did not obtain financial counseling or show that her debts were under control.
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 issuedJun 16, 2009
- Answer filedJul 16, 2009
- Hearing heldOct 14, 2009
- Decision dateJan 12, 2010
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Negligent Omission of Debts on Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E
- Insufficient Evidence of Financial Responsibility and Mitigation Efforts.