Summary
A 46-year-old infrastructure analyst, employed by a defense contractor, was denied a public trust position due to significant financial concerns under Guideline F. The applicant faced 21 delinquent debts totaling over $43,000, which had accumulated between 2003 and the present. While many of these debts were small, with 12 being less than $500 each, the applicant admitted to making poor financial judgments and acknowledged not knowing how to begin addressing the issues.
Despite being employed full-time since February 1997, the applicant made no efforts to resolve his debts, seek financial counseling, or attempt debt consolidation. He had considered bankruptcy but lacked the funds for filing fees. Although he hoped to address his debts after an educational loan garnishment ended in July 2009, ongoing legal expenses related to his son and a second divorce prevented this.
The decision noted that while some circumstances were beyond his control, the applicant had not acted responsibly in addressing his debts since then, failing to resolve even small amounts. There was no evidence of good-faith efforts to satisfy the debts, nor any indication he had sought credit counseling. Given his unwillingness to seek or use financial counseling, the applicant's security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant admitted to 21 delinquent debts totaling over $43,000, with no efforts made to resolve them.
- He has not received financial counseling or initiated any debt resolution plans.
- The applicant's financial difficulties are ongoing and he has shown an unwillingness to live within his means.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(b)raisedAbsence of Evidence of Willingness or Intent to Pay the Debt
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived or Receiving Counseling for the Problem
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedInitiated Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key Rule Quoted
“The government has a compelling interest in ensuring each Applicant possesses the requisite judgement, reliability, and trustworthiness of those who must protect national interests as their own.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 14, 2009
- Answer filedJul 2, 2009
- Hearing heldSep 23, 2009
- Decision dateDec 31, 2009
Cite For
- Failure to Demonstrate Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Lack of Mitigating Circumstances for Financial Issues
- Insufficient Evidence of Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts