Summary
A 43-year-old customer service representative for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant faced allegations related to 13 unpaid debts, totaling approximately $11,200, and admitted to falsifying two questions on her Security Clearance Application (SF-86) concerning financial delinquencies.
The specific debts included consumer debt, multiple telephone and cell phone bills, hospital bills, broadband connection charges, various credit card debts (including department store and gas cards), and an apartment debt. Several debts were described as uncertain. The applicant's admission of falsifying her application regarding these financial issues raised significant personal conduct concerns.
Ultimately, the judge found insufficient evidence to mitigate the security concerns arising from both the applicant's outstanding financial obligations and her admitted dishonesty on the security clearance application. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant owes 13 debts totaling approximately $11,200, which have not been paid.
- Applicant admitted to falsifying two questions on her Security Clearance Application regarding financial delinquencies.
- The record evidence is insufficient to mitigate the negative security implications stemming from her unpaid debts and falsification.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedDC 1: A History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedDC 3: Inability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- E2.A6.1.2.2notedDC 2: an Individual Is Financially Overextended
- E2.A6.1.2.4notedDC 4: Failure to File or Pay Taxes
- E2.A6.1.2.1rejectedMC 1: the Behavior Was Not RecentThe conduct is recent since the debts remain unpaid.
- E2.A6.1.2.2rejectedMC 2: It Was an Isolated IncidentThere are 13 debts, indicating a pattern of financial irresponsibility.
- E2.A6.1.2.6rejectedMC 6: the Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsNo evidence of a systematic method to handle debts or good faith efforts to repay.
Key Rule Quoted
“"Any doubt as to whether access to classified information is clearly consistent with national security will be resolved in favor of the national security."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 27, 2004
- Answer filedSep 15, 2004Applicant elected to have her case decided on the written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; case decided on written record.
- Decision dateMay 27, 2005
Cite For
- Denial Based on Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Falsification of Information on SF 86 Under Guideline E
- Insufficient Evidence to Mitigate Security Concerns Related to Personal Conduct and Financial Issues.