Summary
The 41-year-old applicant, employed by a defense contractor, faced denial of his security clearance due to a significant history of financial irresponsibility, including a failure to address numerous debts following a lengthy divorce. Despite some recent efforts to make payments, the judge found that these actions were insufficient and primarily motivated by the security clearance review process, raising serious concerns about the applicant's reliability and trustworthiness.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant is indebted to a communications company in the amount of approximately $308.00, for a bad debt, described as a joint cellular phone account he maintained with his ex-wife (1.a). Applicant is indebted to a jeweler in the amount of approximately $590.00, for a bad debt, described as his ex-wife's purchase of jewelry before the divorce (1.b). Applicant is indebted to a commercial finance company in the amount of approximately $5,826.00, for a bad debt, described as a refinance for the residence they previously shared (1.c). Applicant is indebted to a public works commission in the amount of approximately $171.00, for a bad debt, described as water service for the residence he maintained with his ex-wife (1.d). Applicant is indebted to a national department store in the amount of approximately $564.00, for a bad debt, not further described (1.e). Applicant is indebted to a national finance company in the amount of approximately $665.00, for a bad debt, described as a cosigned personal loan purportedly incurred to pay off expenses for medical treatment received by his ex-wife (1.f). Applicant is indebted to a national department store in the amount of approximately $745.00, for a bad debt, not further described (1.g). Applicant is indebted to a medical provider in the amount of approximately $594.00, for two bills ($357.00 and $237.00), not further described (1.h). Applicant is indebted to an entity, not further described, in the amount of approximately $835.00, for charges, not further described (1.i). Applicant is indebted to a local hospital in the amount of approximately $324.00, for medical service received in April 1994 (1.j). Applicant is indebted to a credit union in the amount of approximately $103.00, for checks processed on an account with insufficient funds (1.k). Applicant is indebted to a truck driving school in the amount of approximately $2,696.00, for driver training for himself (1.l).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions E2.A6.1.2.1, E2.A6.1.2.3. The judge applied mitigating conditions E2.A6.1.3.3. The decision turned on the following: The applicant had a lengthy history of not meeting financial obligations; He ignored outstanding debts until long after his divorce was finalized; His actions appeared to be motivated by the security clearance review process rather than genuine financial responsibility.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a lengthy history of not meeting financial obligations.
- He ignored outstanding debts until long after his divorce was finalized.
- His actions appeared to be motivated by the security clearance review process rather than genuine financial responsibility.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- E2.A6.1.3.3appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 10, 2001
- Answer filedAug 3, 2001
- Hearing heldDec 5, 2001
- Decision dateFeb 7, 2002
Cite For
- Denial Based on Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Impact of Divorce on Financial Obligations
- Insufficient Efforts to Resolve Debts During Security Clearance Review Process