Summary
A 40-year-old defense contractor employee was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption), and Guideline J (Criminal Conduct). The applicant demonstrated a recent history of financial irresponsibility, accumulating nearly $59,000 in 20 past-due debts since 1995, including deficiencies from two car repossessions in 1996. Despite expressing an intent to pay, the applicant provided no evidence of efforts to address these debts or communicate with creditors, and had a net monthly income of $184 after deductions.
The applicant also had an extensive history of alcohol abuse, which adversely affected his ability to meet financial obligations. Although personal circumstances exacerbated his financial issues, the judge noted insufficient evidence of rehabilitation from alcohol dependence, including a relapse after a period of sobriety, and a lack of ongoing support.
Furthermore, the applicant deliberately failed to file federal income tax returns for 1990, 1991, and 1992, violating federal law. The judge found no mitigation for this conduct and no evidence of rehabilitation, leading to the denial of the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant demonstrated a recent history of financial irresponsibility with nearly $59,000 in debts and no evidence of efforts to address them.
- The applicant had a significant history of alcohol abuse, including a relapse after a period of sobriety, and failed to provide evidence of ongoing rehabilitation or support.
- The applicant deliberately failed to file federal income tax returns for multiple years, indicating a disregard for legal obligations.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.3raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.5raisedFinancial Problems That Are Linked to . . . Alcoholism
- G.1raisedAlcohol-related Incidents Away From Work, Such as Driving While Under the Influence
- G.3raisedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence
- G.5raisedConsumption of Alcohol, Subsequent to a Diagnosis of Alcoholism by a Credentialed Medical Professional and Following Completion of an Alcohol Rehabilitation Program
- J.1raisedAny Criminal Conduct, Regardless of Whether the Person Was Formally Charged
- F.3rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control (e.g., Loss of Employment, Divorce)While personal circumstances were noted, they did not sufficiently mitigate the applicant's inaction regarding debts.
- G.4rejectedFollowing Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence, the Individual Has Successfully Completed Inpatient or Outpatient Rehabilitation Along with Aftercare RequirementsThe applicant did not provide evidence of successful rehabilitation or ongoing support after his relapse.
- J.1notedNone
Key Rule Quoted
“"the clearly consistent standard indicates that security-clearance determinations should err, if they must, on the side of denials."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 28, 1996
- Answer filedNov 27, 1996Applicant requested an administrative decision on the record.
- Hearing held—No hearing was held; decision made on the record.
- Decision dateAug 14, 1997
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility Under Guideline F
- Denial Based on History of Alcohol Abuse and Lack of Rehabilitation Under Guideline G
- Failure to File Federal Income Tax Returns as a Disqualifying Factor Under Guideline J