Summary
A 47-year-old computer technician was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant is currently on probation for felony burglary and assault, and has a history of alcohol-related incidents, including a recent relapse that violated his probation.
Additionally, the applicant has significant unpaid debts totaling approximately $24,000 across 36 delinquent accounts. While he admitted owing most of these debts and stated he would begin making payments "very, very soon," he had only arranged preauthorization for eight accounts totaling approximately $900 and set up $25 monthly payments for three medical services accounts. He had not contacted creditors for numerous other accounts, including several charged-off credit cards and a collection account of $13,171.
The judge found that the applicant failed to mitigate the security concerns, specifically noting the recent nature of his criminal behavior and continued financial delinquencies. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant is currently on probation for felony burglary and assault, which raises significant security concerns.
- The applicant has a history of alcohol-related incidents, including a recent relapse that violated his probation.
- The applicant has significant unpaid debts totaling approximately $24,000, indicating financial irresponsibility.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 31(a)raisedCriminal Conduct - a Single Serious Crime or Multiple Lesser Offenses
- AG ¶ 31(d)raisedCriminal Conduct - Individual Is Currently on Parole or Probation
- AG ¶ 31(e)raisedCriminal Conduct - Violation of Parole or Probation, or Failure to Complete a Court-mandated Rehabilitation Program
- AG ¶ 22(a)raisedAlcohol Consumption - Alcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- AG ¶ 22(d)raisedAlcohol Consumption - Diagnosis by a Duly Qualified Medical Professional of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence
- AG ¶ 22(f)raisedAlcohol Consumption - Relapse After Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Dependence and Completion of an Alcohol Rehabilitation Program
- AG ¶ 30appliedCriminal Conduct - Creates Doubt About a Person's Judgment, Reliability, and Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 21appliedAlcohol Consumption - Excessive Alcohol Consumption Raises Questions About an Individual's Reliability and Trustworthiness
- AG ¶ 32(a)rejectedCriminal Conduct - so Much Time Has Elapsed Since the Criminal Behavior HappenedThe judge found that the recent nature of the applicant's criminal behavior does not support this mitigating condition.
- AG ¶ 32(d)rejectedCriminal Conduct - Evidence of Successful RehabilitationThe applicant remains on probation, and the judge could not conclude that continuation or recurrence of his criminal conduct is unlikely.
- AG ¶ 23(a)rejectedAlcohol Consumption - so Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Was so InfrequentThe judge found that the applicant's recent relapse does not support this mitigating condition.
- AG ¶ 23(b)rejectedAlcohol Consumption - Acknowledges Alcoholism and Provides Evidence of Actions Taken to Overcome This ProblemThe applicant's recent relapse and ongoing issues do not demonstrate a clear pattern of abstinence.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 24, 2010
- Answer filedAug 16, 2010
- Hearing heldNov 30, 2010
- Decision dateMay 10, 2011
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Ongoing Probation for Serious Criminal Offenses
- Impact of Recent Alcohol-related Incidents on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Significant Unpaid Debts as a Disqualifying Factor for Security Clearance