Summary
A 39-year-old software engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns across four guidelines: Personal Conduct, Financial Considerations, Alcohol Consumption, and Criminal Conduct. The applicant had a history of alcohol abuse, admitting to excessive drinking from age 15 until September 1999, which he believed contributed to his 1992 Chapter 7 bankruptcy. His criminal record included multiple arrests for operating a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence between 1983 and 1991, and a 1999 guilty plea for assault with a dangerous weapon and discharging a firearm.
Financial concerns included an outstanding debt of approximately $10,000 to the Department of Education, several other outstanding debts, and amounts owed to a former employer for corporate credit card charges. The applicant also provided false information on his security clearance application by failing to disclose that he had been more than 90 and 180 days delinquent on debts within the past seven years, and by providing false information to police officers after his 1999 arrest.
Despite demonstrating sobriety since September 1999, the applicant's failure to mitigate his financial and personal conduct issues led to the denial. The decision highlighted his long history of alcohol abuse and criminal conduct, his lack of candor in failing to disclose relevant financial information, and his persistent financial problems despite previous bankruptcy.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a long history of alcohol abuse and criminal conduct, including an assault with a dangerous weapon.
- The applicant failed to disclose relevant financial information on his security clearance application, indicating a lack of candor.
- The applicant's financial problems persisted despite previous bankruptcy, demonstrating an inability to manage debts.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A5.1.1raisedPersonal Conduct
- E2.A6.1.1raisedFinancial Considerations
- E2.A7.1.1raisedAlcohol Consumption
- E2.A10.1.1raisedCriminal Conduct
- E2.A5.2.1rejectedPersonal ConductNo mitigating conditions applied due to pattern of dishonesty.
- E2.A6.2.1rejectedFinancial ConsiderationsThe applicant's financial issues were not resolved by bankruptcy.
- E2.A7.2.1appliedAlcohol ConsumptionThe applicant has maintained sobriety since 1999.
- E2.A10.2.1appliedCriminal ConductThe last criminal activity occurred almost four years ago.
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJan 16, 2003
- Answer filedFeb 10, 2003
- Hearing held—Applicant requested decision based on written record.
- Decision dateMay 7, 2003
Cite For
- Denial Based on History of Alcohol Abuse and Criminal Conduct Under Guideline J
- Failure to Disclose Financial Obligations Under Guideline E
- Insufficient Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F