Summary
A 53-year-old federal contractor was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons alleged multiple instances of adverse employment history and falsification of federal forms, specifically regarding her responses during a Security Clearance Application (SCA) and background interviews. Additionally, financial concerns were raised due to two delinquent car debts appearing on a July 2011 credit report, though the larger debt of over $10,000 no longer appeared later. It was also noted that the applicant's debts had been discharged through bankruptcy in 1993.
The judge found that the applicant had successfully mitigated these concerns. Her financial issues were largely attributed to her ex-husband's debts, which she is actively disputing, and she has maintained financial stability since her 2007 divorce, with no new delinquent debts.
Regarding personal conduct, the applicant voluntarily disclosed her past substance abuse and cooperated fully throughout the investigation. The judge determined there was no intent to deceive regarding her past drug use. Based on these mitigating factors, the security clearance was granted.
Why the applicant prevailed
- Applicant's financial issues were largely attributable to her ex-husband's debts, which she is actively disputing.
- She has maintained financial stability since her divorce in 2007, with no new delinquent debts.
- The applicant voluntarily disclosed her past substance abuse and cooperated fully during the investigation.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(a)raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
- AG ¶ 16(b)raisedDeliberately Providing False or Misleading Information
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened Long Ago or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Resulting in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived Counseling for the Problem And/or Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedReasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of Past-due Debt
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived Counseling for the Problem And/or Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved
Key rule quoted
“An applicant should disclose any potential derogatory information.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJul 25, 2012
- Answer filedSep 27, 2012
- Hearing heldJun 13, 2013
- Decision dateJul 25, 2013
Cite for
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Voluntary Disclosure of Past Substance Abuse Under Guideline E
- Consideration of Personal Circumstances in Security Clearance Decisions