Summary
A 46-year-old defense contractor and translator was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant faced allegations of unresolved debts totaling approximately $16,419 and falsification of information on his security clearance application.
Specific financial concerns included a $3,268 delinquent student loan, a $1,135 judgment, a $5,515 federal tax lien, and various collection accounts for utilities, consumer debts, medical bills, and cable television, ranging from $78 to $3,620. The applicant was also cited for deliberate omission, concealment, or falsification of relevant facts on his security questionnaire.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to provide credible evidence of debt resolution and his lack of responsible behavior regarding financial obligations. He did not provide documentary evidence of debt payments, acknowledged awareness of his financial obligations but failed to disclose them, and did not seek financial counseling or take steps to resolve his debts despite having the means to do so.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to provide documentary evidence supporting his claims of debt payments.
- He acknowledged awareness of his financial obligations but did not disclose them on his security clearance questionnaire, indicating a lack of candor.
- The applicant did not seek financial counseling or take steps to resolve his debts despite having the financial means to do so.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E.16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- F.20(a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's debts are not infrequent and there is no evidence to support the assertion that they will not recur.
- F.20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant has been well-paid for three years and has not shown responsible behavior regarding his debts.
- F.20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant did not seek financial counseling.
- F.20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant provided no evidence of good-faith efforts to resolve debts.
- F.20(e)rejectedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past Due DebtThe applicant offered no documentary evidence to dispute any debts.
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 issuedAug 18, 2011
- Answer filedUndated
- Hearing heldJun 18, 2012
- Decision dateAug 6, 2012
Cite For
- Failure to Provide Credible Evidence of Debt Resolution Under Guideline F
- Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Financial and Personal Conduct Security Concerns