Summary
A 45-year-old system administrator for a federal contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had a significant history of financial difficulties, including 11 delinquent debts totaling approximately $42,000. These debts included delinquent property taxes, nine collection accounts, and one account charged off as bad debt.
The Statement of Reasons also noted that the applicant provided negative responses to questions on his security clearance application regarding delinquent debts, denying any debts more than 180 days delinquent in the last seven years or currently more than 90 days delinquent. Furthermore, he did not respond to interrogatories about this discrepancy and failed to inform his spouse of his financial problems, raising concerns about potential vulnerability.
The judge found that the applicant had not paid, settled, or resolved any of the debts and lacked a realistic repayment plan. While a mitigating condition related to financial considerations was applied, it was deemed insufficient. Ultimately, the applicant's financial difficulties raised doubts about his judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of financial problems, including 11 delinquent debts totaling approximately $42,000.
- He has not paid, settled, or resolved any of the debts and lacks a realistic plan to do so.
- The applicant's financial difficulties raise doubts about his judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- F.3raisedFinancial Considerations
- E.2raisedPersonal Conduct
- F.2.brejectedFinancial ConsiderationsWhile the applicant's financial difficulties were partly due to a costly divorce and child support obligations, these circumstances were not unexpected and did not mitigate the overall concerns.
Key Rule Quoted
“"The overall concern under Guideline F is that: Failure or inability to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness, and ability to protect classified information."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 9, 2009
- Answer filedNot specifiedApplicant requested a decision without a hearing.
- Hearing heldNot applicableDecided on the written record.
- Decision dateNov 25, 2009
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Significant Financial Difficulties Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Financial Concerns Despite Personal Circumstances
- Consideration of Personal Conduct Allegations Under Guideline E in Relation to Financial Irresponsibility.