Summary
A 47-year-old area mechanic employed by a defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a long history of financial difficulties, including approximately $20,000 in bad debts and multiple charges for writing bad checks.
Specifically, the applicant failed to disclose two of his three criminal charges for writing worthless checks on his most recent Security Clearance Questionnaire (SF 86). These charges, which occurred at unspecified times, were dismissed after restitution was made for each check. Financially, the applicant had a judgment against him from 1986 for about $12,400, which had accrued 12% annual interest.
While the applicant had made some recent efforts to address his debts, including entering into payment or settlement agreements for approximately $1,200 in medical debts, agreeing to pay 50% of another $500 debt, and resolving other delinquencies, these actions were deemed insufficient to mitigate the security concerns. The judge concluded that the applicant's history of financial difficulties dating back to 1984, combined with the non-disclosure of criminal charges, warranted the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has a history of financial difficulties and delinquencies dating back to 1984.
- Applicant failed to disclose two of three criminal charges for writing bad checks on his SF 86.
- Recent actions to resolve debts were deemed insufficient to mitigate security concerns.
Conditions Referenced
- DC 1appliedFinancial Considerations
- DC 2appliedFinancial Considerations
- DC 1appliedCriminal Conduct
- DC 2appliedCriminal Conduct
Key Rule Quoted
“A person who has access to classified information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government based on trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 1, 2003
- Answer filedOct 27, 2003
- Hearing held—
- Decision dateJun 7, 2004
Cite For
- Insufficient Mitigation of Financial Difficulties Under Guideline F
- Deliberate Omission of Criminal History Under Guideline E
- Repeated Minor Criminal Offenses Indicating Poor Judgment Under Guideline J