Summary
The applicant, a 54-year-old single male and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to multiple delinquent debts totaling approximately $33,800. Despite some efforts to manage his finances, including a budget and payment plans, the applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of resolving the debts, leading to a denial of his security clearance application.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: a delinquent account for $18,859 (1.a). state income tax liens for delinquent income taxes stemming from 1995 and 1996 totaling approximately $1,200 (1.b). state income tax liens for delinquent income taxes stemming from 1995 and 1996 totaling approximately $1,200 (1.c). state income tax liens for delinquent income taxes stemming from 1995 and 1996 totaling approximately $1,200 (1.d). miscellaneous bills totaling approximately $800 (1.e). a $12,589 delinquent debt owed to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (1.f). miscellaneous bills totaling approximately $800 (1.g). miscellaneous bills totaling approximately $800 (1.h). a debt owed to a fitness center (1.i).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant failed to present persuasive evidence supporting his contention that he is satisfying the state tax debts; Insufficient evidence was provided that he is working toward satisfying or resolving the remaining SOR debts; Despite some evidence of rehabilitation, it was deemed too soon to conclude that the applicant's financial problems no longer pose a security risk.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to present persuasive evidence supporting his contention that he is satisfying the state tax debts.
- Insufficient evidence was provided that he is working toward satisfying or resolving the remaining SOR debts.
- Despite some evidence of rehabilitation, it was deemed too soon to conclude that the applicant's financial problems no longer pose a security risk.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key Rule Quoted
“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 issuedFeb 25, 2009
- Answer filedMar 19, 2009
- Hearing held—Applicant appeared pro se.
- Decision dateJul 24, 2009
Cite For
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Impact of Personal Circumstances on Financial Obligations
- Evaluation of Rehabilitation Efforts in Financial Matters