Summary
A 38-year-old computer information security manager was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from approximately $26,000 in unresolved financial debts and the applicant's failure to disclose a felony conviction from 2000 on his security questionnaire, specifically falsifying his response to question 23 of his e-QIP dated August 19, 2008.
The financial issues included a $4,943 schooling account, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing in October 2000, an unpaid $1,911 rent judgment, and a $13,834 debt from a returned vehicle. Additionally, there were multiple unpaid debts for telephone ($400), television services ($128, $782, $920, $1,058), a utility company ($495), and two bank collection accounts ($813, $740).
The judge found that the applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to mitigate the security concerns related to his financial irresponsibility, as he failed to document that the accounts were paid or that repayment plans had been established. Furthermore, his lack of candor regarding the felony conviction was a significant factor in the denial.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a judgment and 11 charged-off accounts totaling approximately $26,000.
- He failed to document that the accounts are paid or that he established repayment plans.
- The applicant did not disclose his 2000 felony conviction on his security questionnaire.
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(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial problems were contributed to by his unemployment and relocation.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant attended a debt management course but did not provide evidence of resolving debts.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant failed to document any payments made towards the debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“A person who seeks access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 5, 2010
- Answer filedUndated
- Hearing heldSep 16, 2010
- Decision dateMar 17, 2011
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Undisclosed Felony Conviction
- Financial Irresponsibility as a Disqualifying Factor
- Importance of Documentation in Mitigating Financial Issues