Summary
A 63-year-old senior engineer was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), F (Financial Considerations), and J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a history of financial irresponsibility, including multiple bankruptcies, delinquent federal taxes, and outstanding debts. Specifically, the applicant had a delinquent credit card account of $1,403, $21,720.02 in student loan debt in collection, and $23,011.95 in delinquent federal taxes. He also owed debt on a corporate travel card used for personal expenses.
Furthermore, the applicant demonstrated a lack of candor by willfully omitting significant information from his security clearance application (SF 86). He failed to disclose two drunk driving offenses from January 1995 and June 1996, federal tax liens filed in October 1999 and August 1998, and his history of financial irresponsibility, including bankruptcies and other delinquent debts.
The decision highlighted the applicant's excessive indebtedness and recurring financial difficulties, coupled with his deliberate omissions on the application. While some mitigating conditions were considered, the applicant's recent efforts to address his financial issues were deemed insufficient to overcome the longstanding concerns regarding his financial stability and reliability.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a history of excessive indebtedness and recurring financial difficulties, including multiple bankruptcies and delinquent federal taxes.
- The applicant willfully omitted significant financial and criminal information from his security clearance application, demonstrating a lack of candor and reliability.
- The applicant's recent efforts to address his financial issues were deemed insufficient to mitigate the longstanding concerns regarding his financial stability.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A5.1.2.2appliedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- E2.A10.1.1raisedA History or Pattern of Criminal Activity
- E2.A6.1.3.3rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlWhile the applicant faced unforeseen job loss leading to bankruptcy, recent financial irresponsibility was not mitigated.
- E2.A6.1.3.6rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsRecent payments were insufficient to alleviate concerns about ongoing financial instability.
Key Rule Quoted
“"[N]o one has a 'right' to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedSep 30, 2005
- Answer filedOct 21, 2005
- Hearing heldMar 2, 2006
- Decision dateAug 31, 2006
Cite For
- Willful Omission of Relevant Information on Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E
- Financial Irresponsibility and Its Impact on Security Clearance Eligibility Under Guideline F
- Criminal Conduct Implications Related to Past Offenses Under Guideline J