Summary
A 45-year-old installation manager was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from significant child support arrears and the applicant's failure to disclose financial obligations on his security clearance application.
Specifically, by June 22, 2002, the applicant's child support arrearage totaled $19,481.96. Additionally, a default judgment for $3,439.21, including attorney fees and costs, was entered against him on December 15, 1998, which remained unsatisfied. When completing his security clearance application in March 2002, the applicant answered "no" to question 38(4), failing to report either the delinquent child support or the judgment against him.
The judge found insufficient evidence of voluntary child support payments and noted that the arrearage increased significantly without adequate efforts to address it until garnishment began. The applicant's failure to disclose these financial obligations on his application further contributed to the denial, raising concerns about his financial responsibility and honesty.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to provide corroboration of voluntary child support payments.
- The applicant's child support arrearage increased significantly without adequate efforts to address it until garnishment began.
- The applicant did not disclose his delinquent child support obligation or a judgment against him on his security clearance application.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A5.1.2.2appliedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt as to whether access to classified information is clearly consistent with national security will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 15, 2003
- Answer filedJan 2, 2004
- Hearing heldMay 25, 2004
- Decision dateJan 28, 2005
Cite For
- Failure to Disclose Financial Obligations on Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E
- Significant Child Support Arrears as a Disqualifying Condition Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Evidence of Financial Responsibility and Rehabilitation Efforts