Summary
A 55-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to unresolved financial issues. The Statement of Reasons (SOR) detailed three primary allegations: a $23,582 debt to a credit card creditor from a 2010 judgment, an $11,753 debt to another credit card creditor charged off in 2009, and a disputed child support debt of $96,000 that was subject to ongoing litigation.
The decision cited disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines (AG) ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c), which relate to financial irresponsibility. While the applicant provided credible testimony and demonstrated efforts to manage his finances, the judge determined that these actions did not sufficiently mitigate the security concerns.
Specifically, the applicant had unresolved delinquent debts dating back to 2009 and was actively involved in litigation concerning unpaid child support, both of which impacted his financial stability. Ultimately, the applicant failed to present adequate evidence to mitigate these financial security concerns, resulting in the denial of his eligibility for access to classified information.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has unresolved delinquent debts dating back to 2009.
- He is in litigation regarding unpaid child support, which affects his financial situation.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient evidence to mitigate the financial security concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlSome financial problems were attributed to the applicant's divorce and child support obligations.
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedReasonable Basis to Dispute Legitimacy of DebtThe applicant disputes the amount of child support owed.
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure or inability to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 3, 2014
- Answer filedJan 27, 2015
- Hearing heldJul 2, 2015Record remained open until 07/23/2015 for additional submissions.
- Decision dateSep 15, 2015
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Impact of Child Support Litigation on Financial Stability
- Insufficient Evidence of Financial Management Despite Credible Testimony