Summary
A 49-year-old claims processor for a federal contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had a history of significant delinquent debts, ranging from $150,000 to $180,000, across various categories. These included ten revolving credit card debts, five retail credit card debts, a telephone bill, a satellite TV bill, bank fees for insufficient fund checks, and a delinquent car loan she co-signed. She also incurred substantial finance charges on credit card debt and returned a leased car due to inability to make payments.
Despite acknowledging her financial issues and planning to file for bankruptcy, the applicant continued to gamble during her financial difficulties. This behavior raised concerns about her judgment and reliability.
The judge found that the applicant failed to demonstrate responsible financial behavior and did not provide evidence of financial counseling or a good faith effort to resolve her debts. Consequently, her eligibility for sensitive positions was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant had a history of significant delinquent debts totaling between $150,000 and $180,000.
- She continued to gamble despite her financial difficulties, which raised concerns about her judgment and reliability.
- The applicant did not provide evidence of financial counseling or a good faith effort to resolve her debts.
Conditions Referenced
- FC DC 1appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- FC DC 3appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FC DC 5appliedFinancial Problems Linked to Gambling
- PC DC 4appliedPersonal Conduct That Increases Vulnerability to Coercion
- FC MC 1rejectedThe Behavior Was Not Recent
- FC MC 2rejectedIt Was an Isolated Incident
- FC MC 3appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- FC MC 4rejectedReceiving Counseling for the Problem
- FC MC 6rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay Debts
- PC MC 5rejectedPositive Steps to Reduce Vulnerability
Key Rule Quoted
“The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person's life to make an affirmative determination that the person is eligible for a security clearance.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 21, 2006
- Answer filedMay 11, 2006
- Hearing heldAug 22, 2006
- Decision dateSep 29, 2006
Cite For
- Denial Based on Significant Delinquent Debts Under Guideline F
- Impact of Gambling on Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Personal Conduct Issues Related to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline E