Summary
A 36-year-old defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had a history of cocaine use and multiple delinquent debts totaling over $21,000.
Specific allegations included a single instance of cocaine use in February 2012 while on active duty in the Army. Financial concerns involved a telecommunications collection debt of $233, a DFAS debt for an active-duty overpayment of $1,614, and another collection debt of $1,555.
While mitigating conditions were applied for the drug involvement, the applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of financial stability or progress in resolving the delinquent debts. The applicant did not demonstrate a responsible approach to managing financial obligations, and the isolated cocaine use still raised concerns about reliability and trustworthiness, ultimately leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant's cocaine use, although isolated, raised concerns about reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of financial stability or progress in resolving delinquent debts.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a responsible approach to managing his financial obligations.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- H.25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- H.25(b)raisedTesting Positive for Illegal Drug Use
- H.25(c)raisedIllegal Drug Possession
- 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 financial issues were ongoing and unresolved.
- F.20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlThe applicant did not provide evidence of circumstances beyond his control.
- H.26(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Happened Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to RecurThe cocaine use was an isolated incident.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 28, 2014
- Answer filedMar 10, 2014
- Hearing held—Decision made without a hearing.
- Decision dateJun 24, 2014
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations
- Impact of Drug Involvement on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Requirements for Demonstrating Financial Responsibility in Security Clearance Cases