Summary
A 53-year-old marketing manager, who had held a security clearance since 1979, was denied a continued clearance under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The denial stemmed from a history of financial delinquencies totaling approximately $21,000.
The Statement of Reasons detailed multiple outstanding debts, including a $9,447 debt charged off in 1999, a $1,740 collection account from April 2000, and a $1,486 collection account from the same period. Other significant debts included a $8,674.15 collection account from June 2001, a $6,511.40 judgment from April 2004, and a $12,970 credit card collection account from August 2005. Smaller debts included judgments, medical bills, and other collection accounts.
Despite the applicant claiming substantial personal assets and making some recent payments, the judge found these actions insufficient. The denial was based on the applicant's history of not meeting financial obligations, an unwillingness to satisfy debts, and the determination that her financial difficulties were not primarily due to circumstances beyond her control. Promises of future payments were not accepted as a substitute for a consistent record of debts actually paid.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a history of not meeting financial obligations and was unwilling to satisfy her debts.
- Promises to pay debts in the future were not a substitute for a clear record of debts actually paid.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were not primarily the result of conditions beyond her control.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedFinancial Considerations - Inability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedFinancial Considerations - A History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.3.6appliedFinancial Considerations - the Individual Initiated Efforts to Pay DebtsThe applicant deserves credit for initiating efforts to pay her debts, albeit belatedly.
Key Rule Quoted
“"A person who is unwilling to fulfill his legal obligations does not demonstrate the high degree of good judgment and reliability required of persons granted access to classified information."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 27, 2005
- Answer filedNov 23, 2005
- Hearing heldApr 7, 2006
- Decision dateJun 27, 2006
Cite For
- Denial of Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Insufficient Evidence of Timely Remedial Action in Financial Matters
- Importance of a Consistent Record of Debt Repayment in Security Clearance Evaluations