Summary
A 43-year-old electronics test technician was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from over $64,000 in delinquent debts, including $26,833 in child support arrears. The applicant was found to have intentionally omitted several debts from his security clearance application (SF 86), including a September 2000 federal tax lien and numerous debts delinquent over 180 days.
Specifically, the applicant disclosed only one $900 debt on his application, despite owing more than $13,000 in delinquent consumer credit debt, a $10,133 deficiency balance after an auto repossession, $5,901 in back federal taxes, $3,184 in judgment debt, and approximately $30,400 in child support. He also falsely denied having debts currently over 90 days delinquent.
The judge determined that the applicant failed to demonstrate a good faith effort to resolve his financial issues and lacked candor by not disclosing his full financial obligations. Despite having the means, he did not provide sufficient evidence of resolving his debts, leading to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant owed over $64,000 in delinquent debts, including significant child support arrears.
- He failed to disclose multiple debts on his security clearance application, indicating a lack of candor.
- The applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of resolving his financial obligations despite having the means to do so.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A6.1.1raisedFinancial Considerations
- E2.A5.1.1raisedPersonal Conduct
- E2.A6.1.3.3rejectedConditions Beyond ControlThe applicant's financial difficulties were not solely due to circumstances beyond his control, as he had the means to address them.
- E2.A6.1.3.4rejectedCounseling and Resolution EffortsThe applicant did not demonstrate clear indications that his financial problems were being resolved.
- E2.A6.1.3.6rejectedGood Faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe applicant did not initiate a good faith effort to repay overdue creditors.
Key Rule Quoted
“An applicant "has the ultimate burden of demonstrating that it is clearly consistent with the national interest to grant or continue his security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJun 24, 2005
- Answer filedSep 22, 2005Second response submitted after initial was returned.
- Hearing heldMar 3, 2006Applicant appeared pro se.
- Decision dateAug 10, 2006
Cite For
- Denial Based on Significant Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Lack of Candor in Security Clearance Application Under Guideline E
- Failure to Demonstrate Good Faith Efforts to Resolve Debts.