# 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:** 3
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/41 "2012-07-29T16:22:34Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > **WHY?** No matter how nasty the crime was, a convict who has done his time has as much right as anybody else to make a living. Or to live next door to you – some people even object to **that!** :mad: But I don’t have to pay him. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/42 "2012-07-29T16:24:51Z")
> [@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. That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. And I’ve been in the army so that’s saying a lot. You don’t forcibly rape a 6 year old because you are horny. In that case every 17 year old would be raping daily. ---
**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, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/43 "2012-07-29T16:27:06Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > The OP said his offense was raping a 6 y.o. Sounds like a pedophile to me. Think about it some more and maybe you’ll figure out the possible difference. ---
**Author:** ![toofs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4491bb/32.png) [@toofs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toofs)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/44 "2012-07-29T16:28:06Z")
Wow. Not sure how I feel about you posting this creep like that. On the one hand, this disgusting human being should be outed on a forum like this, especially when his crime is considered. Fuck him. On the other, he did his time, and you just outed him. Sure looks creepy to me. He would NOT be around or even getting a look at **mrs. toofs**. Let him finish the job. Then thank him, pay him, and tell him you will not need any more work. Simple. ---
**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, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/45 "2012-07-29T16:29:32Z")
> [@toofs](#): > > Wow. Not sure how I feel about you posting this creep like that. On the one hand, this disgusting human being should be outed on a forum like this, especially when his crime is considered. Fuck him. On the other, he did his time, and you just outed him. > > Sure looks creepy to me. He would NOT be around or even getting a look at **mrs. toofs**. > > Let him finish the job. Then thank him, pay him, and tell him you will not need any more work. Simple. Should I have the link removed? I’m not sure how I ‘outed’ him. His name is plastered all over the internet and sex offender registries. ---
**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, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/46 "2012-07-29T16:31:49Z")
> [@Crime\_Scene](#): > > 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. > > . Give me a fucking break. That’s just plain stupid. ---
**Author:** ![toofs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4491bb/32.png) [@toofs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toofs)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/47 "2012-07-29T16:32:22Z")
> [@Crime\_Scene](#): > > Should I have the link removed? I’m not sure how I ‘outed’ him. His name is plastered all over the internet and sex offender registries. Searching for him is one thing, broadcasting him is another. He is disgusting. Not sure, man. ---
**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, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/48 "2012-07-29T16:34:42Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > 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. Yeah, a typical impulsive 17-year-old might shoplift or drive 110 on the freeway or get a regrettable tattoo. Fucking a 6-year-old goes a bit beyond just poor judgement. My nephew is 6 so I’ve had the occasion to be around a few 6-year-olds recently. For someone at ANY age to be sexually attracted to them, even the world’s horniest teenager, is a sign of deep-seated problems. Honestly, what could one say… I swear she looked 8? ---
**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, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/49 "2012-07-29T16:36:08Z")
Hey, I went to Penn State. Cut me some slack. ---
**Author:** ![Girl\_Next\_Door](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@Girl\_Next\_Door](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Girl_Next_Door)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/50 "2012-07-29T16:37:39Z")
You outed him because until you posted that I had no idea what his name was. Now I know his name, date of birth, height and weight. ---
**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, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/51 "2012-07-29T16:39:38Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > Give me a fucking break. That’s just plain stupid. …Umm, ok. She is very young looking for a 22 year old. I have no problem with people with large age differences being together, but she has a very young look about her. I just imagine there is a pattern of attraction to younger people. Perhaps I was wrong; I’ll give you a fucking break. ---
**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, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/52 "2012-07-29T16:41:18Z")
Ok. I sent a message to a moderator asking for the post to be removed. My apologies, I stepped over the line. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/53 "2012-07-29T16:44:17Z")
There is no “outing”. Its a link to a government website designed to be accessible to the public. If you have a problem with such information being made public take it up with the legislature. The OP did nothing wrong. We are still in a bad economy. If there are two people looking for work and both can do good jobs I’m going with the one who didn’t rape a child. Call me crazy. ---
**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, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/54 "2012-07-29T16:44:43Z")
I get that he served his time and has the right to move on and pursue happiness, but after all, he gave the child he abused a life sentence. I’m just frustrated and confused that I didn’t do a background check on him and now I’m in an strange position. ---
**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, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/55 "2012-07-29T16:46:24Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > There is no “outing”. Its a link to a government website designed to be accessible to the public. If you have a problem with such information being made public take it up with the legislature. The OP did nothing wrong. > > We are still in a bad economy. If there are two people looking for work and both can do good jobs I’m going with the one who didn’t rape a child. Call me crazy. Thank you for standing up for me here, Loach. I really didn’t think of it was outing him since it is a government website and public knowledge. ---
**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, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/56 "2012-07-29T16:47:39Z")
I still cannot believe he only did 4 years on such a heinous charge. I have a friend doing 14 years for distribution of cocaine while on probation. Goodness. ---
**Author:** ![Blkshp](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blkshp/32/7135_2.png) [@Blkshp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blkshp)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/57 "2012-07-29T16:55:08Z")
You could always ask him about it. ---
**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, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/58 "2012-07-29T16:56:45Z")
Lets just look at this from a risk perspective. Assume the guy is still a sleaze of some level. Pick whatever level you think most likely. One danger is he will do something criminal while there (though as I mentioned before victimizing the people he is working for seems pretty damn stupid). He’s already cased the joint and the neighbors joint and pretty much gotten whatever inside info there is to be had so that horse is already out of the barn. So, what are the chances of him doing something bad while there? Small, but non-zero. And what bad things might those be? Now, lets say you fire him. He’s gonna know why. Now, let’s face it, his life probably sucks pretty badly in many ways, including financially. Perhaps he’s feed up with not getting jobs, getting shitty jobs, and getting fired in the middle of jobs because of his record. Doesn’t matter whether he deserves those problems or not. The fact remains he probably doesnt like it. There is a very small to small risk that if you fire him that becomes the last straw and he looses it. And you will likely be the target of that anger if he does. So, which risk is greater? Who knows… ---
**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, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/59 "2012-07-29T16:58:46Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > Lets just look at this from a risk perspective. > > Assume the guy is still a sleaze of some level. Pick whatever level you think most likely. > > One danger is he will do something criminal while there (though as I mentioned before victimizing the people he is working for seems pretty damn stupid). He’s already cased the joint and the neighbors joint and pretty much gotten whatever inside info there is to be had so that horse is already out of the barn. > > So, what are the chances of him doing something bad while there? Small, but non-zero. And what bad things might those be? > > Now, lets say you fire him. He’s gonna know why. Now, let’s face it, his life probably sucks pretty badly in many ways, including financially. Perhaps he’s feed up with not getting jobs, getting shitty jobs, and getting fired in the middle of jobs because of his record. Doesn’t matter whether he deserves those problems or not. The fact remains he probably doesnt like it. > > There is a very small to small risk that if you fire him that becomes the last straw and he looses it. And you will likely be the target of that anger if he does. > > So, which risk is greater? Who knows… Valid and insightful point, Bill. He knows where I lives; I definitely do not want the ire of someone whose record indicates instability. He must have been a model inmate if he only served 4 years on that charge though. ---
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/60 "2012-07-29T18:14:42Z")
> [@Crime\_Scene](#): > > 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. It’s only a few days and I suspect at this point letting him go would cause more problems than it’s worth. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724.md?page=4)