Summary
A 50-year-old subject matter expert, employed by a defense contractor, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The applicant had significant financial delinquencies exceeding $55,000 across two charged-off accounts, with no evidence of payments made toward these debts. Although he did pay a $271 energy bill, he failed to provide documentation of a bankruptcy filing despite indicating an intent to do so.
Further concerns arose from the applicant's past drug involvement. He misused OxyContin while holding a secret clearance and was charged with felony possession of hydrocodone without a prescription. While he completed a drug rehabilitation program, this past drug use, particularly while holding a clearance, raised questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Ultimately, the applicant did not mitigate the security concerns. The denial was based on his unaddressed financial obligations and the drug use that occurred while he held a security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has delinquent financial obligations totaling over $55,000 with no evidence of payments made.
- The applicant failed to provide documentation of a bankruptcy filing despite indicating intent to file.
- The applicant's drug use occurred while holding a security clearance, raising concerns about reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 25(a)raisedAny Drug Abuse
- AG ¶ 25(c)raisedIllegal Drug Possession
- AG ¶ 25(g)raisedIllegal Drug Use After Being Granted a Security Clearance
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsOnly one minor payment was made on an energy bill, insufficient to demonstrate a good-faith effort.
- AG ¶ 26(d)appliedSatisfactory Completion of a Prescribed Drug Treatment ProgramThe applicant completed a drug rehabilitation program and continues treatment.
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 10, 2014
- Answer filedNov 21, 2014Applicant elected to proceed without a hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing; decision based on written record.
- Decision dateJun 30, 2015
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Past Drug Involvement on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline H
- Insufficient Evidence of Financial Responsibility Affecting Security Clearance Decisions.