Summary
A 53-year-old systems analyst was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant faced allegations of intentionally falsifying his April 2013 position of trust application by failing to disclose derogatory financial information in Section 26. Specifically, he owed approximately $58,700 on 13 delinquent accounts, which he did not disclose.
The applicant's financial problems began in 2007 due to increased expenses for his ailing mother and a decrease in income between 2009 and 2013, leading to depression for which he sought medical help. He filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in 2014, seeking to discharge $48,600 in debt, which was successfully discharged in February 2015. He also obtained a mortgage loan modification and reported stable finances with over $1,000 in disposable income and $110,000 in retirement savings. While his financial issues were largely resolved and attributed to events beyond his control, they were not resolved before his bankruptcy filing.
Despite mitigating circumstances regarding his financial situation, the applicant's intentional falsification of his application and admission to lying to the background investigator about his financial record led to the denial of his eligibility for access to sensitive information. The denial was based on the intentional falsification of his financial record, raising doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant intentionally falsified his position of trust application by failing to disclose delinquent accounts.
- The applicant admitted to lying to the background investigator about his financial record, raising doubts about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 16(a)appliedPersonal Conduct
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant's financial problems were caused by events beyond his control.
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant's finances are now stable and no longer present a concern.
Key Rule Quoted
“A person who seeks access to a public trust position enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 14, 2014
- Answer filed—Timely answered the SOR.
- Hearing heldAug 25, 2015Hearing conducted.
- Decision dateFeb 22, 2016
Cite For
- Intentional Falsification of Application Under Guideline E
- Financial Issues Mitigated but Not Sufficient to Overcome Personal Conduct Concerns
- Importance of Honesty in Applications for Positions of Trust