Summary
A 26-year-old female applicant seeking a position of trust was evaluated under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). Concerns arose from several past-due debts and involvement in criminal conduct.
Specifically, the applicant had multiple past-due financial obligations, including a car loan, a motorcycle loan financed for a former boyfriend, a second car loan that resulted in voluntary repossession, a student loan, two cable television debts, a delinquent cell phone account, and two medical debts, along with a past-due retail account. Regarding personal conduct, the applicant was arrested in July 2009 for possession of cocaine and cannabis, with charges later nolle prosequi in January 2010. In August 2009, she allowed her aunt to deposit a forged $8,000 U.S. Treasury check into her account using her debit card and PIN. Additionally, in July 2010, she received a citation for misdemeanor possession of cannabis, which was subsequently dismissed.
The judge ultimately granted the applicant's request for eligibility. This decision was based on the applicant demonstrating good judgment in resolving her debts and mitigating concerns about her personal conduct. The judge found that her lack of culpability in past criminal incidents and her improved personal and professional circumstances supported the granting of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated good judgment in addressing her past-due debts.
- Concerns about her personal conduct were mitigated by her lack of culpability in criminal incidents.
- The applicant's improved personal and professional circumstances supported her eligibility for a position of trust.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 16(c)raisedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- AG ¶ 16(g)raisedAssociation with Persons Involved in Criminal Activity
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened Long Ago or Occurred Under Circumstances Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived Counseling for the Problem And/or Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
- AG ¶ 17(f)appliedAssociation with Persons Involved in Criminal Activities Has Ceased
Key Rule Quoted
“A person who has access to sensitive information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government based on trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 30, 2014
- Answer filedMay 23, 2014
- Hearing heldSep 12, 2014
- Decision dateNov 13, 2014
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Concerns Under Guideline F Due to Improved Circumstances
- Lack of Culpability in Criminal Conduct Under Guideline E
- Whole-person Assessment in Evaluating Trustworthiness and Reliability.