Summary
The applicant, a 50-year-old security guard employed by a Department of Defense contractor, faced security clearance denial under Guideline F due to significant unresolved financial issues, including multiple delinquent accounts totaling approximately $46,832. Despite some efforts to address her debts, the applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of a debt consolidation plan or good-faith efforts to resolve her financial obligations, leading to concerns about her reliability and judgment.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: a $128 judgment filed against her in July 2008 (1.a). a $613 judgment filed against Applicant in April 2005 (1.b). a $295 cable television account placed for collection in September 2008 (1.c). a $35 medical account placed for collection in December 2002 (1.d). a $10,488 balance owed after an automobile repossession placed for collection in November 2002 (1.e). a $381 cell phone account placed for collection in July 2008 (1.f). a $631 cell phone account placed for collection in June 2003 (1.g). a $666 utility account placed for collection in February 2007 (1.h). a $495 credit card account placed for collection in July 2006 (1.i). two medical accounts in the amounts of $267 and $333, placed for collection in December 2005 and April 2006 (1.j). a $32,500 mortgage foreclosure in May 2008 (1.k).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions FC DC 19(a), FC DC 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions FC MC 20(b), FC MC 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant admitted to all allegations in the SOR, including multiple delinquent accounts; The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of a debt consolidation plan or good-faith efforts to resolve her debts; The applicant's financial problems have persisted for several years without resolution.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant admitted to all allegations in the SOR, including multiple delinquent accounts.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of a debt consolidation plan or good-faith efforts to resolve her debts.
- The applicant's financial problems have persisted for several years without resolution.
Conditions Referenced
- FC DC 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FC DC 19(c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- FC MC 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial problems began after leaving an abusive relationship.
- FC MC 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant attempted to resolve one debt but failed to demonstrate overall good-faith efforts.
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure or inability to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 22, 2009
- Answer filedAug 27, 2009
- Hearing heldOct 28, 2009Case transferred to the judge due to a family emergency.
- Decision dateJan 13, 2010
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Consideration of Personal Circumstances Affecting Financial Stability