Summary
This case concerns a 51-year-old aircraft mechanic and military veteran whose security clearance was initially questioned under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to six delinquent debts totaling $118,589. The Statement of Reasons cited a July 2005 judgment for $100,695, along with five collection accounts ranging from $949 to $8,392. Disqualifying conditions under AG ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c) were raised.
The applicant attributed his financial difficulties to identity theft and a divorce. In mitigation, the decision applied AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d), and AG ¶ 20(e). The applicant provided evidence of identity theft and demonstrated good-faith efforts to resolve his debts, including paying off several accounts and entering into a repayment agreement for others.
Furthermore, the applicant's extensive military service and a history of holding a security clearance without incident supported his reliability. Based on these mitigating factors and his proactive steps to address the financial concerns, the applicant's security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant provided evidence of identity theft that contributed to his financial issues.
- He made good-faith efforts to resolve debts, including paying off several accounts and entering into a repayment agreement.
- The applicant's long history of military service and previous security clearance without incident supported his reliability.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 29, 2014
- Answer filedMay 21, 2014
- Hearing heldAug 12, 2014
- Decision dateSep 29, 2014
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F Due to Identity Theft
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts as a Mitigating Factor
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions