Summary
A 31-year-old information technology specialist was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from 15 delinquent debts totaling approximately $25,000 and a history of deliberate falsification on security clearance applications.
Specifically, the applicant deliberately falsified his 2004 and 2009 security clearance applications. He failed to disclose multiple arrests and charges, including a September 1999 arrest for rape and indecent assault, a January 2000 arrest for assault, and an October 2001 arrest for negligent driving. Additionally, he failed to disclose a charge and non-judicial punishment for illegal methamphetamine use, and deliberately concealed his 2007 methamphetamine use while holding a top secret clearance.
Regarding financial considerations, the applicant had 15 delinquent debts, including attorney fees from a 2007 divorce, a 2006 personal loan for a 2003 Cadillac, a Cadillac note loan, and a payday loan. The judge found that the applicant failed to establish financial responsibility in acquiring these debts and did not demonstrate good-faith efforts to resolve them. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to establish financial responsibility in the acquisition of debts.
- The applicant did not demonstrate good-faith efforts to resolve his debts.
- The applicant deliberately falsified his security clearance applications.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 15raisedPersonal Conduct Involving Questionable Judgment
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant retained services of two companies to help resolve debts.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial issues stemmed from personal misconduct and spending beyond means.
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's financial problems are ongoing and not unlikely to recur.
Key Rule Quoted
“"An applicant has the ultimate burden of demonstrating that it is clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue [his or her] security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 3, 2010
- Answer filedSep 27, 2010Requested decision based on the record.
- Hearing heldFeb 23, 2011Applicant waived right to 15-day notice.
- Decision dateJun 22, 2011
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Deliberate Falsification of Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Insufficient Evidence of Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts