Summary
A 33-year-old single mother and defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to financial considerations under Guideline F. The Statement of Reasons (SOR) alleged she owed $23,889 across 13 delinquent or past-due accounts. Additionally, the SOR cited two arrests: one in November 2006 for shoplifting, and another in January 2014 for larceny over $250.
The applicant raised several mitigating conditions, including claims of psychiatric issues and recent employment. However, the judge found these insufficient to overcome the security concerns. Specifically, the applicant did not provide enough information to mitigate her financial issues, had not paid or resolved any of the listed debts, and failed to demonstrate responsible action regarding her debts despite being employed for over two years.
Ultimately, the judge determined that the applicant had not provided sufficient evidence to mitigate the security concerns related to her financial distress and associated arrests. Consequently, her security clearance application was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant did not provide sufficient information to mitigate security concerns regarding her financial issues.
- The applicant has not paid or resolved any of the debts listed in the SOR.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate responsible action regarding her debts despite being employed for over two years.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(f)raisedFinancial Problems Linked to Issues of Security Concern
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant's financial issues are current and unresolved.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Beyond the Person's ControlWhile the applicant's psychiatric condition contributed to her financial issues, she has not acted responsibly to address them.
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedReceived Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant has not sought financial counseling or professional help.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay CreditorsThe applicant has not made any payments on her debts.
- AG ¶ 20(e)rejectedDispute Legitimacy of Past-due DebtThe applicant has not established that any of the debts are not hers.
Key Rule Quoted
“A security clearance decision is intended only to resolve whether it is clearly consistent with the national interest for an applicant to either receive or continue to have access to classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 5, 2015
- Answer filed—Applicant requested a decision without a hearing.
- Hearing held—No hearing was conducted.
- Decision dateMay 31, 2016
Cite For
- Insufficient Evidence of Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Impact of Psychiatric Conditions on Financial Obligations
- Burden of Persuasion on Applicants for Security Clearance