Summary
The applicant, a 39-year-old data analyst for a Department of Defense contractor, faced trustworthiness concerns under Guideline F due to significant unpaid debts totaling approximately $85,668. Despite demonstrating some financial improvement and efforts to verify debts, the judge found that the applicant had not mitigated the financial concerns, leading to a denial of eligibility for access to sensitive information.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant has a judgment against him in the amount of $5,000, which remains unpaid (1.a). Applicant owes $20,555 on a credit card account, which remains unpaid (1.b). Applicant owes $15,227 on a credit card account, which remains unpaid (1.c). Applicant owes $18,909 on a credit card account, which remains unpaid (1.d). Applicant owes $10,000 on a personal loan account, which remains unpaid (1.e). Applicant owes $5,000 on a personal loan account, which remains unpaid (1.f). Applicant owes $7,000 on a utility account, which remains unpaid (1.g). Applicant owes $5,000 on a medical account, which remains unpaid (1.h).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions F.1.a, F.1.c. The judge applied mitigating conditions F.2.b, F.2.c. The decision turned on the following: The applicant has significant unpaid debts totaling approximately $85,668; The applicant's financial problems began during a period of disability and unemployment, leading to reliance on credit cards; The applicant has not paid any of the debts listed in the Statement of Reasons (SOR); Confusing evidence regarding the status of debts was insufficient to mitigate trustworthiness concerns.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has significant unpaid debts totaling approximately $85,668.
- The applicant's financial problems began during a period of disability and unemployment, leading to reliance on credit cards.
- The applicant has not paid any of the debts listed in the Statement of Reasons (SOR).
- Confusing evidence regarding the status of debts was insufficient to mitigate trustworthiness concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.aappliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.cappliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.2.brejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlWhile the applicant's financial issues stemmed from disability and unemployment, the judge found insufficient evidence of resolution.
- F.2.crejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Help for the ProblemThe applicant's efforts to verify debts were noted, but did not demonstrate resolution of the SOR debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 24, 2011
- Answer filedApr 18, 2011
- Hearing heldJul 28, 2011
- Decision dateOct 24, 2011
Cite For
- Trustworthiness Concerns Under Guideline F Due to Financial Issues
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Significant Unpaid Debts
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Trustworthiness Determinations