Summary
A 52-year-old operations planner and Army veteran was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from unresolved delinquent debts and a past felony arrest for child abandonment.
Specifically, the applicant failed to timely file federal income taxes for 2009 and 2010. Additionally, the applicant had multiple collection debts, including $3,535, $2,095, $1,708, $228, $147, and $4,230 for furniture, along with several charged-off debts to a bank and the Army and Air Force Exchange System (AAFES) of unspecified amounts.
While mitigating factors related to personal conduct were considered, the applicant did not demonstrate sufficient progress in resolving the financial obligations. This indicated a lack of good judgment and reliability, leading to the denial of access to classified information.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant did not demonstrate sufficient progress in resolving delinquent debts.
- The applicant failed to timely file federal income tax returns for 2009 and 2010, raising concerns about compliance with governmental rules.
- The applicant's financial issues indicated a lack of good judgment and reliability required for access to classified information.
Conditions Referenced
- F.19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.19(g)raisedFailure to File Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax Returns as Required
- F.20(a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's financial issues were ongoing and not sufficiently addressed.
- F.20(b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s ControlWhile some circumstances were beyond the applicant's control, he did not provide enough evidence of responsible actions taken.
- F.20(d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe applicant did not show adequate progress in addressing his debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the revised adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 17, 2015
- Answer filedSep 7, 2015
- Hearing heldMar 31, 2016Applicant waived right to 15 days notice.
- Decision dateApr 8, 2016
Cite For
- Denial Based on Unresolved Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Failure to File Tax Returns on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Personal Conduct in the Context of Financial Issues