Summary
A 31-year-old engineering technician for a DOD contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), F (Financial Considerations), and J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from unresolved financial debts, a history of criminal behavior, and questionable financial judgment.
Specifically, the applicant had three outstanding credit card debts totaling $3,169, $6,448, and $4,620, along with an unpaid phone bill of $174. These financial issues, totaling over $14,000, were compounded by a prior Chapter 7 bankruptcy and subsequent use of credit cards for living expenses. Additionally, the applicant had been arrested twice, once for drug possession, to which she pled guilty for marijuana and drug equipment possession, and once for misuse of a credit card.
While the applicant stated she last used marijuana over four years prior and now avoids illegal drugs, the judge found that the combined financial issues and past criminal conduct raised significant unmitigated security concerns regarding her judgment and reliability. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant has unresolved financial debts totaling over $14,000, indicating an inability to manage financial obligations.
- The applicant's history of criminal conduct, including drug possession and misuse of a credit card, raises doubts about her judgment and reliability.
- The applicant's questionable financial decisions, including using credit cards to pay for living expenses after a bankruptcy, demonstrate poor judgment.
Conditions referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 31(a)appliedA Single Serious Crime or Multiple Lesser Offenses
- AG ¶ 16(c)appliedCredible Adverse Information in Several Adjudicative Issue Areas
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial problems were largely due to insufficient income and lack of steady employment.
- AG ¶ 32(d)appliedEvidence of Successful RehabilitationThe applicant has not used illegal drugs since 2011 and completed an adult diversion program for her credit card misuse.
Key rule quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedFeb 11, 2015
- Answer filedMay 27, 2015
- Hearing heldOct 21, 2015
- Decision dateJan 19, 2016
Cite for
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Criminal Conduct on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline J
- Consideration of Personal Conduct and Judgment Issues Under Guideline E.