Summary
A 36-year-old defense contractor employee and military veteran was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), F (Financial Considerations), and J (Criminal Conduct). The Statement of Reasons (SOR) detailed several financial issues, including a $973 charged-off credit card debt, a $321 charged-off credit union debt, a $512 delinquent telecommunications debt, and $780 owed to a collection company. Additionally, the applicant had $6,459 in child support arrearages, a $4,117 charged-off loan, and $17,145 owed on a car loan.
The SOR also cross-alleged criminal conduct and a failure to pay debts, indicating poor judgment and an unwillingness to comply with rules, which created a vulnerability to exploitation. While the SOR included an allegation regarding a General Under Honorable Conditions Discharge for misconduct, this was deemed duplicative of the criminal conduct already alleged.
The denial was based on the applicant's history of nonjudicial punishment for lying to an officer and financial misconduct, including theft of housing allowance. The applicant had multiple delinquent debts totaling over $30,000, with no demonstrated efforts to address or repay them. The judge found the applicant's explanations for his financial issues lacked credibility, and he failed to demonstrate responsible behavior or rehabilitation, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of nonjudicial punishment for lying to an officer and for financial misconduct, including theft of housing allowance.
- The applicant has multiple delinquent debts totaling over $30,000, which he has not made efforts to address or repay.
- The applicant's explanations for his financial issues were not deemed credible, and he failed to demonstrate responsible behavior or rehabilitation.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 31(a)appliedA Single Serious Crime or Multiple Lesser Offenses
- AG ¶ 31(c)appliedAllegation or Admission of Criminal Conduct
- AG ¶ 16(c)appliedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- AG ¶ 16(e)appliedPersonal Conduct That Creates a Vulnerability to Exploitation
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlThe applicant did not act responsibly under the circumstances.
- AG ¶ 32(a)rejectedSo Much Time Has Elapsed Since the Criminal Behavior HappenedThe applicant's criminal conduct continues to cast doubt on his reliability.
- AG ¶ 17(e)appliedPositive Steps to Reduce Vulnerability to ExploitationThe applicant has been open about his financial problems.
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 issuedFeb 6, 2013
- Answer filedUndated
- Hearing heldJan 22, 2014
- Decision dateFeb 11, 2014
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations
- Impact of Military Nonjudicial Punishment on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Personal Conduct in the Context of Financial Issues