Summary
The applicant, a 48-year-old defense contractor and Navy veteran, faced security clearance denial under Guideline F due to unresolved financial delinquencies totaling $332,153. The judge found that the applicant's financial issues were ongoing and not adequately addressed, leading to concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant is past due on his mortgage as alleged in SOR ¶ 1.a. His total mortgage balance is approximately $313,995, and he is $10,146 past due on his monthly payment obligations as stated on the December 2015 credit report. This debt is unresolved (1.a). Applicant is indebted to a collection agent for a charged-off account in the approximate amount of $14,724, as alleged in SOR ¶ 1.b. This debt is unresolved (1.b). Applicant is indebted on two collection accounts held by the same creditor in the approximate amounts of $2,363 and $220 as alleged in SOR ¶ 1.c. These debts are unresolved (1.c). Applicant is indebted on a monthly videogame subscription account in the approximate amount of $97 as alleged in SOR ¶ 1.e. This debt is unresolved (1.e). Applicant is indebted to a cell phone provider in the amount of $558 as alleged in SOR ¶ 1.f. This debt remains unresolved (1.f). Applicant is indebted to an exterminator in the approximate amount of $196, as alleged in SOR ¶ 1.g. This debt remains unresolved (1.g).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions F.1.a, F.1.c. The judge applied mitigating conditions F.2.b, F.2.c, F.2.e. The decision turned on the following: The applicant has seven unresolved debts totaling $332,153, indicating an inability to meet financial obligations; The applicant failed to provide documentation to substantiate claims of resolving or disputing debts; The applicant did not demonstrate that his financial problems are under control or unlikely to recur.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has seven unresolved debts totaling $332,153, indicating an inability to meet financial obligations.
- The applicant failed to provide documentation to substantiate claims of resolving or disputing debts.
- The applicant did not demonstrate that his financial problems are under control or unlikely to recur.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.2.brejectedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlThe applicant did not act responsibly under the circumstances.
- F.2.crejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemThere are no clear indications that the financial problems are being resolved.
- F.2.erejectedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due DebtThe applicant failed to provide documented proof to substantiate disputes.
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 issuedMay 12, 2015
- Answer filedJul 24, 2015
- Hearing heldDec 14, 2015
- Decision dateFeb 23, 2016
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Delinquencies Under Guideline F
- Failure to Demonstrate Financial Responsibility and Control
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Financial Concerns