# The handyman is a convicted sex offender. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 29, 2012, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724 "2012-07-29T02:27:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/21 "2012-07-29T12:20:10Z")
> [@jackdavinci](#): > > I agree. If you don’t feel comfortable with him, don’t hire him again. But don’t actively thwart his making a living. Fuck that. Rape kids? Live in a box under a bridge and beg for food. ---
**Author:** ![grude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47774/32.png) [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/22 "2012-07-29T13:20:48Z")
> [@gamerunknown](#): > > You guys ever seen the Woodsman? > > If child rape prohibits one from working ever again, there’s no point having a limit on imprisonment. Personally I wouldn’t be too bothered if paedophiles were separated from the rest of society, even if they’d never committed a crime (there are objective tests which can demonstrate erotic response to children). Reduces the chance they will commit a crime in future. However, that’s not really an option at the moment, so they need to interact on at least some level with the rest of society. Wait…you think erotic response tests should be used to identify potential pedos? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/23 "2012-07-29T13:59:03Z")
Saying “Well, at least you aren’t on parole” indicates that he _is_ out on parole-contact the police to see if he is,and if he is violating his parole conditions by being close to children. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/24 "2012-07-29T14:33:19Z")
“Hey girls, come on down…” ---
**Author:** ![jackdavinci](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackdavinci/32/3259_2.png) [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/25 "2012-07-29T14:43:09Z")
> [@Antigen](#): > > Fuck that. Rape kids? Live in a box under a bridge and beg for food. You’re too reserved. If you consider him subhuman and are willing to actively make his life miserable based on a few sentences you read on the internet, why not just go ahead and sneak into his house and kill him in his sleep? ---
**Author:** ![SnakesCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4af34b/32.png) [@SnakesCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakesCatLady)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/26 "2012-07-29T14:49:32Z")
I’m really, really torn on this one. Forcible rape of a 6-year-old? Get him away as soon as possible. The more rational part of me says that if he has done his time and is not working with children in the house, let him make a living. Let him finish the job. If any neighbors ask about hiring him, explain why they shouldn’t hire him. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/27 "2012-07-29T15:24:26Z")
> [@Antigen](#): > > Fuck that. Rape kids? Live in a box under a bridge and beg for food. Miami thought [that was an awesome idea](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Tuttle_Causeway_sex_offender_colony) for a while. ---
**Author:** ![raskolnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e47c2d/32.png) [@raskolnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raskolnik)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/28 "2012-07-29T15:25:35Z")
-Life in prison, really really shout be enforced more often. ---
**Author:** ![Crime\_Scene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e495f1/32.png) [@Crime\_Scene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crime_Scene)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/29 "2012-07-29T15:35:03Z")
UPDATE He worked well into the morning hours and did a very good job. I contracted him for at least 3-4 days of work, all the while I will be home. I live in a rural area, my nearest neighbor is a quarter of a mile away, however they do have children. He did his job well and he is doing it particularly cheap. I checked more into his charges and criminal history and he has quite a few charges ranging from the forcible rape of a child to prison time for back child support. I am a large guy, 6’2, and a trained boxer, so I’m not worried about him flipping out and overpowering me if I was to fire him. At this point, I’m still very torn. I feel like that since he is here that at least he isn’t on the streets. At the time of his conviction he was 17 years of age, now he is 39 years old. That is quite a bit of a turnaround time but I do not think the attraction to children subsides. There are no children near him at all, so he would have to seek out a victim. I’m tempted to allow him to finish, but like I said before, I am still very confused and torn. Part of me wants to believe in the inherent good there is in people, but rape of a child? Fuck me. I’d appreciate it if you guys would share your thoughts on me letting him finish the job. If the board consensus is that he should go then I will end his employment. ---
**Author:** ![Farmer\_Jane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Farmer\_Jane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Farmer_Jane)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/30 "2012-07-29T15:42:16Z")
People have to eat. If he’s doing a good job and isn’t a harm to anyone, may as well let him finish it out. ---
**Author:** ![EmAnJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d2c977/32.png) [@EmAnJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmAnJ)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/31 "2012-07-29T15:43:11Z")
Because you will be home when he works, and because he is doing a good job, and also because any children are a quarter mile away, I’d let him finish the job, but I’d never hire him again. ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/32 "2012-07-29T15:44:08Z")
Based on your situation I would probably have him finish the work you contracted for. I would have a quiet conversation with your neighbor and assure them that you will keep an eye on him while he’s working but if he stops by and uses the fact that he’s working for you as an intro to send him on his way. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/33 "2012-07-29T15:47:25Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > This. > > Then make sure none of your friends or neighbors hire him. Good Og people. Give him a chance to prove it’s not him before firing him. If it’s him, then fine, but if someone screwed up their investigation, then how is that fair to him? ---
**Author:** ![Aspidistra](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspidistra/32/3894_2.png) [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/34 "2012-07-29T15:47:47Z")
I’m with **billfish** on this one - every day he’s working for you is a day he isn’t mooching around somewhere with nothing to do except fantasise. It doesn’t sound like you’re in any personal danger from him, and if you’re home all the time the neighbor kids aren’t either. If nobody employs him ever, then there’s simply no reason for him to care if he gets sent back to jail again, so why not rape another kid? It seems like a public service to me. OTOH, you should probably word up your neighbors-with-kids after he’s finished your job, just in case he slipped a business card under their door or something. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/35 "2012-07-29T15:52:08Z")
I’d let him finish the job. If it will make you feel better, contact your neighbor with the children and let them know the situation, and maybe call them with updates when he leaves your house for lunch or to go home for the day. I imagine the reason he’s doing the job cheap and working so hard is because it’s extremely difficult for him to find work. That’s pretty much the worst place an ex-con can be in, and is a huge factor in recidivism. Believe it or not, letting him keep the job is probably safer for everybody involved than firing him. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/36 "2012-07-29T15:57:57Z")
> [@Crime\_Scene](#): > > At the time of his conviction he was 17 years of age, now he is 39 years old. That is quite a bit of a turnaround time but I do not think the attraction to children subsides. There are no children near him at all, so he would have to seek out a victim. I don’t think a child rapist is the same thing as a pedophile. At 17yo he could have well been just a very horny and very very stupid kid that did not see what real harm that would do or how it would be so very wrong. Many kids that age aren’t exactly known for intelligence, empathy, or the ability to see consequences. He “could” be a pedophile that went after a little kid. Or he might not be. And I don’t know I’d use failure to pay child support as a further criminal indicator. Lets face it, the guy probably has trouble making money. You didn’t mention what the other criminal activity was. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/37 "2012-07-29T16:12:11Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > I don’t think a child rapist is the same thing as a pedophile. At 17yo he could have well been just a very horny and very very stupid kid that did not see what real harm that would do or how it would be so very wrong. Many kids that age aren’t exactly known for intelligence, empathy, or the ability to see consequences. He “could” be a pedophile that went after a little kid. Or he might not be. > > And I don’t know I’d use failure to pay child support as a further criminal indicator. Lets face it, the guy probably has trouble making money. You didn’t mention what the other criminal activity was. The OP said his offense was raping a 6 y.o. Sounds like a pedophile to me. ---
**Author:** ![Crime\_Scene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e495f1/32.png) [@Crime\_Scene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crime_Scene)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/38 "2012-07-29T16:12:18Z")
> [@Aspidistra](#): > > I’m with **billfish** on this one - every day he’s working for you is a day he isn’t mooching around somewhere with nothing to do except fantasise. It doesn’t sound like you’re in any personal danger from him, and if you’re home all the time the neighbor kids aren’t either. > > If nobody employs him ever, then there’s simply no reason for him to care if he gets sent back to jail again, so why not rape another kid? It seems like a public service to me. > > OTOH, you should probably word up your neighbors-with-kids after he’s finished your job, just in case he slipped a business card under their door or something. I agree with these sentiments. As long as he is working for me his hands are not idle. I know that he is unable to obtain a ‘real’ job because of his criminal history because he more or less mentioned it in passing. The one thing that does make me raise my eyebrows is the fact that he is dating a girl that is much younger than himself, so I imagine the attraction to younger people is still there. He was asking me (under the assumption I do not know his history) if we had any rentals he could possible move into. I informed him that we did not; he then proceeded to tell me he’d like to live around here because it is nice and quiet. Obviously I will not be attempting to find him housing anywhere near me, but it was odd to be asked. Thank you billfish and aspid for your input and also everyone else offering their opinions on the matter. I’ll keep you guys updated. I do not work Sunday and since he doesn’ have a ‘real’ job I imagine he doesn’t either. At this point i’m leaning towards allowing him to finish, since I get off at 5pm he will be doing the work in the evenings into the night. I also believe I should probably contact neighbors who have two younger children; they live about a quarter of a mile from me. I know them ok, but not real well. How would I tell them this without looking like a complete weirdo/idiot? I live in a very conservative redneck area, I’d hate for word to get out he is working for me and him get harassed when people go by. ---
**Author:** ![Crime\_Scene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e495f1/32.png) [@Crime\_Scene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crime_Scene)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/39 "2012-07-29T16:17:15Z")
Additionally, here is the link to his department of corrections profile and picture. I would generally feel guilty about sharing something like this, but what he did is pretty awful. \ ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/40 "2012-07-29T16:22:11Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > I don’t think a child rapist is the same thing as a pedophile. At 17yo he could have well been just a very horny and very very stupid kid that did not see what real harm that would do or how it would be so very wrong. Many kids that age aren’t exactly known for intelligence, empathy, or the ability to see consequences. He “could” be a pedophile that went after a little kid. Or he might not be. > > And I don’t know I’d use failure to pay child support as a further criminal indicator. Lets face it, the guy probably has trouble making money. You didn’t mention what the other criminal activity was. I don’t know. I got pretty horny when I was 17 but 1.) Rape would have never been palatable and, 2.) Even if somehow it was, a 6-year old still wouldn’t be. In your situation I’d just let him finish his job. For all I know the burger I ate yesterday was cooked by a pedophile, for all I know my cell phone was assembled by a pedophile, for all I know the video game I was playing earlier was designed by a pedophile. I’d let him finish his work and just not hire him again. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724.md?page=3)