Summary
The applicant, a 43-year-old refueller at a major shipyard, faced security clearance denial under Guideline F due to unresolved financial issues, including multiple unpaid judgments and collection accounts. Despite some efforts to address his debts, the judge found insufficient evidence of a credible plan for resolution, leading to a decision against the applicant.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: A judgment of $7,400 was entered against him in March 2013, and he stated he is making payments (1.a). A judgment of $3,729 was entered against him in March 2012, and he stated he is making payments (1.b). A judgment of $1,575 was entered against him in March 2011, and he stated he is making payments (1.c). A judgment of $1,575 was entered against him in February 2011, and he stated he is making payments (1.d). A $119 collection account, and he stated he paid it (1.e). A $3,000 collection account, and he stated he paid it (1.f). A $930 collection account, and he stated that it is in a six-month payment plan, which began in April 2014 (1.g). A $667 collection account, and he stated that it is paid (1.h). A $388 collection account, and he stated that it is paid (1.i). A $121 collection account, and he stated that it is paid (1.j). A $120 collection account, and he stated that it is paid (1.k). A $115 collection account, and he stated that it is paid (1.l). A $111 collection account, and he stated that it is paid (1.m). A $60 collection account, and he stated that it is paid (1.n). A $44 collection account, and he stated that it is paid (1.o). Three unpaid judgments for $538, $435, and $576, respectively, which he denied (1.p).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 18, AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant has a history of financial problems dating back to 2007-2008, including multiple unpaid judgments and collection accounts; The applicant did not present a credible plan to resolve the unpaid judgments, which constitute a significant portion of his delinquent debt; The applicant's financial issues raise concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a history of financial problems dating back to 2007-2008, including multiple unpaid judgments and collection accounts.
- The applicant did not present a credible plan to resolve the unpaid judgments, which constitute a significant portion of his delinquent debt.
- The applicant's financial issues raise concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 18raisedFinancial Considerations
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedUnresolved Debts
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood Faith Effort to Repay DebtsWhile some collection accounts were resolved, the majority of unpaid judgments remained unresolved.
Key Rule Quoted
“The clearly consistent standard indicates that security clearance determinations should err, if they must, on the side of denials.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 27, 2014
- Answer filedApr 14, 2014
- Hearing heldN/AApplicant requested a decision based on the written record.
- Decision dateAug 12, 2014
Cite For
- Insufficient Evidence of a Credible Plan to Resolve Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- History of Financial Problems as a Disqualifying Condition
- The Importance of Demonstrating Actual Debt Reduction in Security Clearance Cases