Summary
A 37-year-old field supervisor for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from approximately $15,286 in delinquent debts across 20 accounts with 10 creditors, including about $7,000 for child support. Other debts included medical bills, utilities, cable television, a revolving charge account, and payments to a collection agency, with some delinquencies dating back to 1991.
Additionally, the applicant failed to disclose prior arrests and convictions for domestic abuse and domestic battery on his security questionnaire, and did not disclose a job termination. The judge found that the applicant did not take timely action to address his debts, only beginning efforts after a background investigation commenced.
Furthermore, the applicant did not provide evidence of progress in credit counseling, despite claiming to be undergoing it. These factors led to the conclusion that the applicant did not meet the necessary security standards, resulting in the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant admitted to approximately $15,286 in delinquent debts across 20 accounts with 10 creditors, including significant child support obligations.
- He failed to take action to resolve his debts until a background investigation began.
- The applicant did not provide evidence of progress in credit counseling despite claiming to be undergoing it.
- He failed to disclose two arrests and convictions for domestic abuse and battery on his security questionnaire.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A5.1.2.2appliedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts From Any Personnel Security Questionnaire
- E2.A6.1.2.1appliedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.2.3appliedExhibited Inability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- E2.A6.1.3.3rejectedFinancial Difficulties Resulted From Events Largely Beyond the Person's ControlApplicant's job losses were due to his own misconduct.
- E2.A6.1.3.4rejectedReceived or Receiving Counseling for the Problem with Clear Indications of ProgressApplicant did not provide evidence of progress in credit counseling.
- E2.A6.1.3.6rejectedInitiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsApplicant did not demonstrate good-faith efforts to resolve debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 10, 2004
- Answer filedMay 19, 2004
- Hearing held—Applicant requested decision without a hearing.
- Decision dateSep 13, 2004
Cite For
- Denial Based on Significant Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Failure to Disclose Criminal History Under Guideline E
- Lack of Evidence for Mitigating Conditions in Financial and Personal Conduct Cases