Summary
A 27-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had a history of financial irresponsibility, including approximately $15,922 in delinquent debts across eight separate accounts, with balances ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. Additionally, the applicant filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in June 2004, involving $25,000 in debt.
Beyond financial issues, the applicant provided inaccurate information on his October 19, 2007 security clearance application. He answered "no" to questions concerning financial matters and his police record, failing to disclose a March 17, 2001 arrest and charge for Battery and Disorderly Conduct. The applicant later stated he must not have read the question properly and was not trying to hide anything.
The judge found the applicant's explanations for his financial issues lacked credibility and determined he had deliberately omitted relevant information from his application. These factors led to the denial of his eligibility for access to classified information, as he failed to provide credible evidence to mitigate the financial concerns or demonstrate responsible behavior regarding his debts and application honesty.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a long history of financial difficulties, including approximately $15,000 in delinquent debt and a prior bankruptcy.
- The applicant failed to provide credible evidence to mitigate the financial concerns or to demonstrate responsible behavior regarding his debts.
- The applicant deliberately omitted relevant information from his security clearance application, which raised questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's financial issues are recent and ongoing.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant did not provide sufficient evidence that his financial issues were beyond his control.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived or Receiving Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant has not received financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant's promises to pay in the future do not constitute evidence of financial reform.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past Due DebtThe applicant did not provide documented proof to substantiate his disputes.
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 30, 2008
- Answer filedJul 25, 2008
- Hearing held—Case decided on the record without a hearing.
- Decision dateDec 19, 2008
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Deliberate Omission of Relevant Information Under Guideline E
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Security Concerns Regarding Financial Issues