Summary
The applicant, a 31-year-old single male employed by a defense contractor, sought a security clearance but was denied due to unresolved financial issues and a history of personal conduct that raised questions about his reliability. The judge found that the applicant's financial difficulties were significant and ongoing, while his personal conduct, although acknowledged, did not mitigate the concerns raised by his financial situation.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant admits that a judgement was filed against him in 2008 in the amount of $3,704.59. The judgement has not been resolved (1.a). Applicant admits that he is indebted to a creditor for a delinquent debt in the amount of $3,871.00 for a repossessed automobile. This debt is unresolved (1.b). Applicant denies that he is indebted to a creditor in the amount of $419.00. This debt is in dispute (1.c). Applicant denies that he is indebted to a utility in the amount of $208.00. This debt is in dispute (1.d). Applicant denies that he owes a medical creditor $530. This debt is in dispute (1.e). Applicant denies that he owes a medical creditor $731. This debt is in dispute (1.f). Applicant admits that he is indebted to a creditor for a delinquent debt in the amount of $970.00. This debt is unresolved (1.g). Applicant denies that he is indebted to a creditor in the amount of $305.00. This debt is resolved (1.h). Applicant denies that he is indebted to a creditor in the amount of $69.00. This debt is resolved (1.i).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions F.19(a), F.19(c), E.16(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions F.20(b), E.17(c). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has unresolved debts totaling approximately $11,907, indicating financial overextension; The applicant failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort to pay off his creditors or to resolve his financial issues; The applicant's personal conduct, while acknowledged as singular, did not mitigate the ongoing financial concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has unresolved debts totaling approximately $11,907, indicating financial overextension.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a good-faith effort to pay off his creditors or to resolve his financial issues.
- The applicant's personal conduct, while acknowledged as singular, did not mitigate the ongoing financial concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E.16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Areas
- F.20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlThe applicant was unemployed for a considerable period after leaving the military.
- E.17(c)appliedThe Offense Is so Minor, or so Much Time Has Passed, or the Behavior Is so InfrequentThe applicant's conduct occurred five years prior and was singular in nature.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 23, 2009
- Answer filedDec 15, 2009
- Hearing held—Applicant requested a decision without a hearing.
- Decision dateMar 23, 2011
Cite For
- Financial Overextension as a Disqualifying Condition Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Personal Conduct in the Context of Financial Issues Under Guideline E