Summary
A 47-year-old security guard was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline F (Financial Considerations), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The issues stemmed largely from financial difficulties following her separation from her former husband in 1999, who failed to meet various financial obligations.
The applicant faced allegations of misrepresenting her police record and financial delinquencies on her security clearance application. Her financial history included multiple delinquent medical and credit card debts, some dating back to 2000, as well as a judgment for a heating oil account and a settled car loan judgment from 2003. Additionally, she had bad check charges that were dismissed upon restitution. While one account was unknown to her and another she believed belonged to someone else, she acknowledged and made payments on several medical debts. An allegation of felonious criminal behavior related to intentional misrepresentation was not sustained due to a lack of intent.
The judge determined that the applicant's financial problems were largely beyond her control. Ten of the thirteen financial obligations were no longer actionable under the state statute of limitations, and the applicant demonstrated efforts to settle her debts by making payments. Consequently, her security clearance was granted.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant's financial difficulties were primarily due to her former husband's failure to meet financial obligations.
- Ten of the thirteen financial obligations were no longer actionable under the state statute of limitations.
- Applicant demonstrated a commitment to settle her debts and had made payments towards them.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedFinancial Considerations (DC)
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedFinancial Considerations (DC)
- E2.A6.1.3.1appliedFinancial Considerations (MC)
- E2.A6.1.3.3appliedFinancial Considerations (MC)
- E2.A6.1.3.4appliedFinancial Considerations (MC)
- E2.A6.1.3.6appliedFinancial Considerations (MC)
Key Rule Quoted
“"[S]ecurity clearance determinations should err, if they must, on the side of denials."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 22, 2006
- Answer filedSep 10, 2006Applicant did not desire a hearing.
- Hearing heldNov 15, 2006
- Decision dateJan 31, 2007
Cite For
- Mitigating Factors for Financial Difficulties Under Guideline F
- Consideration of Personal Circumstances Affecting Financial Obligations
- Non-deliberate Omissions in Security Clearance Applications Under Guideline E and J