Summary
A 41-year-old maintenance specialist was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had a history of significant financial difficulties, including numerous delinquent debts totaling over $10,500, many of which were hospital-related, and an unpaid judgment for $489.00. These financial issues began in 1992 due to medical debts, and the applicant had a charged-off deficiency balance exceeding $8,000 on a repossessed car.
The applicant was found to have made only scattered payments on her debts, failing to restore any to current status, and had not made concerted efforts to resolve her old debts. She also rejected credit counseling or debt consolidation measures and failed to follow through on promises made to DSS to address her financial obligations.
A key factor in the denial was the applicant's deliberate omissions on her October 1998 Security Clearance Application (SF-86). She answered "no" to questions regarding unpaid judgments and financial delinquencies over 90 and 180 days, despite having an unpaid judgment and significant delinquent debts. These omissions were deemed material and raised concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness, ultimately leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a history of not meeting financial obligations, including numerous delinquent debts and a judgment.
- The applicant's omissions on the SF-86 regarding her financial delinquencies were deemed deliberate and material to her security clearance eligibility.
- The applicant failed to provide credible evidence of efforts to address her financial issues or to seek financial counseling.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 1raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations.
- DC 3raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts.
- DC 2raisedThe Deliberate Omission, Concealment, Falsification or Misrepresentation of Relevant and Material Facts.
Key Rule Quoted
“The Government must be able to rely on those it entrusts with access to its secrets.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedApr 16, 2001
- Answer filedMay 25, 2001
- Hearing heldSep 4, 2001
- Decision dateOct 24, 2001
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Deliberate Omissions on SF-86 Impacting Trustworthiness Under Guideline E
- Failure to Demonstrate Good Faith Efforts to Resolve Financial Issues.