Summary
A 37-year-old electrician was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from 33 delinquent accounts totaling approximately $37,000 and intentional omissions on his October 2008 Security Clearance Application (SCA). The applicant admitted to the 33 delinquent accounts, which began falling delinquent between December 2001 and August 2008, with about two-thirds of the total debt, or $28,000, attributed to medical expenses. These medical debts included costs for his son's treatment and his own appendectomy, neither of which was covered by insurance at the time.
The applicant also intentionally omitted material financial information from his SCA, specifically answering "no" to questions about wage garnishments and debts over 180 days delinquent, despite a vehicle repossession in 2003. His explanations for these omissions were deemed not credible, indicating a lack of candor.
The judge found that the applicant had not made documented adjustments to his financial practices, provided no plan to address his current debts beyond stating an intention to pay them, and had not provided documentation of any payments made. These factors, combined with the intentional omissions, led to the denial of his security clearance, as they raised significant doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant admitted to 33 delinquent accounts totaling approximately $37,000, indicating financial irresponsibility.
- Applicant intentionally omitted material information regarding his financial delinquencies from his SCA, undermining his credibility.
- The applicant failed to provide evidence of efforts to address his financial issues or to acknowledge his intentional omissions.
Conditions Referenced
- FDC 19.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FDC 19.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- PC DC 16.araisedDeliberate Omission or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- FMC 20.arejectedBehavior Occurred so Long Ago or Infrequently That It Is Unlikely to RecurApplicant has 33 delinquent debts, indicating ongoing financial issues.
- FMC 20.brejectedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlWhile some conditions were beyond his control, the applicant did not take steps to address his debts.
- FMC 20.crejectedReceived or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemThere is no indication that the applicant has received financial counseling.
- FMC 20.drejectedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsApplicant has not made any documented efforts to repay his debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 5, 2009
- Answer filedMay 9, 2009Undated answer received.
- Hearing heldJul 27, 2009
- Decision dateAug 31, 2009
Cite For
- Denial Based on Intentional Omissions in Security Clearance Application
- Financial Irresponsibility as a Disqualifying Factor
- Impact of Personal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility