Summary
The applicant, a 57-year-old retired Army major, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to unresolved financial issues, including a judgment and multiple delinquent debts. Despite some payments made shortly after receiving the Statement of Reasons, the applicant failed to demonstrate responsible management of his financial obligations, leading to a denial of his security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant paid the debts in SOR ¶ 1.a ($36) in March 2015 (1.a). The debt in SOR ¶ 1.b ($12,472) is for medical services (1.b). The debt in SOR ¶ 1.c ($9,862) is a judgment filed in June 2008 (1.c). Applicant paid the debts in SOR ¶ 1.d ($493) in March 2015 (1.d). Applicant paid the debts in SOR ¶ 1.e ($107) in March 2015 (1.e). The debt in SOR ¶ 1.f ($972) is a bill from March 2012 for dental services (1.f). Applicant paid the debts in SOR ¶ 1.g ($69) in March 2015 (1.g).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(d), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(e). The decision turned on the following: Applicant has unresolved debts dating back to 2008, including a judgment and medical bills; Applicant failed to provide evidence of responsible actions taken to resolve his debts; The applicant's financial issues raise questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has unresolved debts dating back to 2008, including a judgment and medical bills.
- Applicant failed to provide evidence of responsible actions taken to resolve his debts.
- The applicant's financial issues raise questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlWhile the applicant experienced unemployment, he did not act responsibly regarding his debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtThe applicant did not provide sufficient evidence to substantiate his disputes.
Key Rule Quoted
“A person who seeks access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 24, 2015
- Answer filedMar 12, 2015
- Hearing heldJul 29, 2015
- Decision dateAug 24, 2015
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unresolved Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Credibility Issues Related to Financial Disputes