Summary
The applicant, a 43-year-old information technology services professional, faced security clearance denial under Guideline F due to significant financial issues stemming from a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, child support arrears, and other delinquent debts. Despite some efforts to address his financial obligations, the judge found that the applicant's financial concerns were not mitigated, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Utility services debt $724 (1.a). Personal cellular phone debt $682 (1.b). Ambulance debt $705 (1.c). Satellite television debt $921 (1.d). Credit card debt charge-off $623 (1.e). Telephone/Internet/Cable debt $131 (1.f). Collection debt $28,817 for child support arrearage (1.g). Car loan debt $20,000 for repossessed vehicle (1.h). Judgment debt $339,128 (1.i). Bank debt in collection $292 (1.j). Telephone debt $254 (1.k). Telephone company debt $206 (1.l). Bank debt $410 (1.m). Bankruptcy discharge in August 2000 (1.n).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has a history of not meeting financial obligations, including significant child support arrears and other delinquent debts; Despite being employed, the applicant made minimal payments on his debts and did not act responsibly to address his financial issues after gaining full-time employment.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of not meeting financial obligations, including significant child support arrears and other delinquent debts.
- Despite being employed, the applicant made minimal payments on his debts and did not act responsibly to address his financial issues after gaining full-time employment.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's unemployment and divorce contributed to his financial issues, but he bore some responsibility for his job loss.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 7, 2009
- Answer filedDec 29, 2009
- Hearing heldMar 30, 2010
- Decision dateJun 30, 2010
Cite For
- Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Impact of Child Support Obligations on Financial Stability
- Consideration of Mitigating Conditions Related to Personal Circumstances