Summary
The applicant, a pro se individual, faced security clearance denial under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations) due to significant outstanding debts and willful falsifications in her security questionnaire. The judge found that the applicant's financial issues raised security concerns that were not mitigated by her explanations or efforts to resolve her debts.
Under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant answered, “No,” to “Section 26 - Financial Record . . . Taxes,” averring that she paid and/or filed her Federal and State taxes in the last seven years. In light of her admitted tax liens noted above in allegations 1.a.~1.c., I find this to be a wilful falsification (2.a). Applicant again answered, “No,” to “Section 26 - Financial Record . . . Delinquency Involving Routine Accounts,” averring that she had no past-due debts, in the last seven years. In light of her admitted past-due debts noted above in allegations 1.f.~1.i., I also find this to be a wilful falsification (2.b). Applicant admits she is indebted to the IRS as a result of a tax lien in the amount of about $28,925 (1.a). Applicant admits she is indebted to the IRS as a result of another tax lien in the amount of about $6,359 (1.b). Applicant admits she is indebted to a State taxing authority as a result of a tax lien in the amount of about $2,686 (1.c). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor D for two past-due debts, the first one for $5,027, and the second one for $2,237 (1.d). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor D for two past-due debts, the first one for $5,027, and the second one for $2,237 (1.e). Applicant now admits she is indebted to Creditor F in the amount of about $7,148 (1.f). Applicant now admits she is indebted to Creditor G in the amount of about $3,666 (1.g). Applicant now admits she is indebted to Creditor H in the amount of about $1,472 (1.h). Applicant now admits she is indebted to Creditor I in the amount of about $1,467 (1.i). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor J for a past-due debt in the amount of about $718 (1.j). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor K for a past-due debt in the amount of about $526 (1.k). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor L for a past-due debt in the amount of about $258 (1.l). It is alleged that Applicant is indebted to Creditor M for a past-due debt in the amount of about $258 (1.m).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions F.19.a, F.19.c, E.16.a. The decision turned on the following: The applicant has significant outstanding debts, including multiple tax liens totaling approximately $38,000; The applicant willfully falsified information on her security questionnaire regarding her financial obligations.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has significant outstanding debts, including multiple tax liens totaling approximately $38,000.
- The applicant willfully falsified information on her security questionnaire regarding her financial obligations.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E.16.araisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant Facts
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 19, 2013
- ASOR issuedMay 20, 2014
- Answer filedJan 15, 2014
- Hearing heldSep 18, 2014reconvened with interpreter present
- Decision dateNov 20, 2014
Cite For
- Denial Based on Significant Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Willful Falsification of Information Under Guideline E
- Consideration of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions