Summary
A 51-year-old former defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant admitted to substantial delinquent debt, including over $6,000 in medical debt in collections, unpaid state and federal income taxes, and current delinquent medical debts and child support. He also discharged approximately $80,000 in other debt through bankruptcy in 2006.
Regarding alcohol consumption, the applicant admitted to alcohol dependence and a history of multiple alcohol-related offenses, including six arrests for driving under the influence between 1976 and 2008. His criminal conduct history included arrests for Disturbing the Peace and Using a Telephone to Annoy, Harass, or Offend in 2003, with a guilty plea to the former. In 2008, he was arrested for Trespassing, Petit Theft, and two counts of Battery. As part of a plea agreement in 2009, he pled guilty to Disturbing the Peace, and the Battery, Theft, and Trespassing charges were dismissed.
Despite completing alcohol treatment, the applicant's ongoing financial issues and criminal history led to the denial. The decision highlighted his failure to demonstrate a reasonable plan to resolve his debts or to show significant actions taken to address his financial issues, alongside his alcohol dependence and multiple DUI offenses, which raised serious concerns about his reliability and judgment.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of substantial delinquent debt, including over $25,000 in current obligations and a significant child support arrearage.
- The applicant's alcohol dependence and multiple DUI offenses raised serious concerns about his reliability and judgment.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a reasonable plan to resolve his debts or to show significant actions taken to address his financial issues.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- G.22.araisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work
- G.22.craisedHabitual or Binge Consumption of Alcohol
- G.22.graisedFailure to Follow Any Court Order Regarding Alcohol Education
- J.30.araisedCriminal Conduct That Creates a Risk of Harm to National Security
- F.20.crejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant has not received financial counseling.
- F.20.drejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant has not shown a good-faith effort to resolve his debts.
- G.23.brejectedThe Individual Acknowledges His Alcoholism and Provides Evidence of Actions Taken to Overcome This ProblemWhile the applicant completed treatment, he has not established a pattern of abstinence or responsible use.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 21, 2010
- Answer filedOct 6, 2010
- Hearing heldJan 27, 2011via video teleconference
- Decision dateJun 9, 2011
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations
- Impact of Alcohol Dependence on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Failure to Demonstrate a Plan for Debt Resolution as a Basis for Denial