# 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:** 7
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/121 "2012-07-30T02:57:50Z")
> [@Crime\_Scene](#): > > I like the round-a-bout idea. I am strongly considering him for more work. There is plenty that needs to be done and a short supply of small contractors who are actually reliable. He has done really good work and completed a few things I didn’t even ask him to do; he is also punctual and keeps in touch well. He has returned all my calls, supplied me with all the receipts, and saved me a few hundred dollars. > > My wife and I decided that we need to ask him at least to explain himself. I don’t necessarily want details because it is going to be coming from him and I’m sure his version is quite a bit different. Additionally, I have no interest in hearing the details; I just want to know that he is indeed a better person than he once was. The thing that gives me the most doubt is that he has more convictions. So far I have found these: > > Passing Bad Check–Under { Misdemeanor A RSMo: 570.120 } > Dwr(Susp Prob Cause .10% { Misdemeanor A RSMo: 302.321 } > Failure To Register Mtr Veh { Misdemeanor B RSMo: 301.020 } > Nonsupport In Each Of Six Individual Months Within Any Twelve-Month Period, Amount Owed Is In Excess Of $5000 { Felony D RSMo: 568.040 } > Failure To Complete And Submit Offender Registration Form With Chief Law Enforcement Officer { Misdemeanor A RSMo: 589.425 } > Dwi - Alcohol { Misdemeanor B RSMo: 577.010 > Dwr(Susp Prob Cause .10% { Misdemeanor A RSMo: 302.321 } > > This is quite the list of convictions. There were others that were too old for the charges to still be listed under the database I am using. This really gives me pause as to whether I should give him more work or not. There is nothing for fraud or theft, but goodness, there is a lot. That’s a rather long list - HOWEVER, aside from the DWI they look like a pretty typical list from somebody that has a problem staying employed and earning honest money. They seem to be the sorts of offences that are all directly related to the original offence over 20 years ago - so while I don’t condone them, they seem to be “related” rather than new illegalities. (i.e - I’m kinda a little forgiving of them, or at least more so than if there was a whole long list of violent offences, or theft or similar) ---
**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 30, 2012, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/122 "2012-07-30T02:58:37Z")
I wish one of you who see this as a black and white issue could make the decision for 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 30, 2012, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/123 "2012-07-30T03:00:37Z")
> [@bengangmo](#): > > That’s a rather long list - HOWEVER, aside from the DWI they look like a pretty typical list from somebody that has a problem staying employed and earning honest money. > > They seem to be the sorts of offences that are all directly related to the original offence over 20 years ago - so while I don’t condone them, they seem to be “related” rather than new illegalities. (i.e - I’m kinda a little forgiving of them, or at least more so than if there was a whole long list of violent offences, or theft or similar) Likewise, Bengangmo. I imagine life has not been easy for him over the last 22 years so I can see why the aforementioned charges could be excused or at least looked at without making a harsh judgement. Obviously the judges he dealt with didn’t feel it necessary to incarcerate him. ---
**Author:** ![Rand\_Rover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/124 "2012-07-30T03:06:41Z")
> [@Rachellelogram](#): > > If nobody will ever hire him, how’s he even supposed to support \*himself, \*much less a child? Refusing him steady work is only going to put him further down the well. Imprisoning him for being unable to afford child support (given that he’s unable to secure steady employment) would amount to, essentially, confining him to debtor’s prison. I just said that I think the guy is a fucking loser and I wouldn’t hire him, and if I were the OP I would fire his ass post-haste. How you get from that to grand proclamations starting with “well if nobody ever hires him” I will never know. I don’t care what other people do. I’m not basing my actions on the effects on this one guy of a hypothetical universe where everyone does what I do. The guy is a loser, I wouldn’t want him near me, that’s the end of it. > [@](#): > > I really like the suggestion of giving him a little something extra. OP: If you can afford it, maybe you can consider giving him a nice bonus check (like a $50 or $100 check in a sealed envelope on his way out the door on the last day), since he’s doing good cut-rate work in this heat. Gotta love the SDMB. Someone starts an OP about how to treat a sex offender and all-around loser they hired and several people suggest to pay him more. > [@Crime\_Scene](#): > > I didn’t say I wanted him in my life. A one time, horrendous screw-up I can _possibly_ get past, but not all of it as a whole. I don’t want him in my life, per say, but it is hard to find good work at a reasonable price around here. I understand your position Rand Rover. You think he is scum and deserves a bullet in the head, but I’m trying to be fair here and it just isn’t working. He’s in your house, talking to your wife, having conversations with you, dealing with stuff involving money and fixing your house–he’s in your life, at least while he’s working for you. I don’t think he deserves a bullet in the head–I don’t think “deserves” means anything. I’m just telling you what I would do, which is to not have people like this in my life. ---
**Author:** ![Rand\_Rover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/125 "2012-07-30T03:10:39Z")
> [@Crime\_Scene](#): > > I wish one of you who see this as a black and white issue could make the decision for me. OK broseph, no problem. Tomorrow tell him that you have to let him go. Say you aren’t going to be doing the project you hired him for due to money troubles or because you have to move really quickly, something like that. Give him any money you owe him, shake his hand, say you are sorry and that he did a good job, and off he fucks. ---
**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 30, 2012, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/126 "2012-07-30T03:10:55Z")
> [@Rand\_Rover](#): > > I just said that I think the guy is a fucking loser and I wouldn’t hire him, and if I were the OP I would fire his ass post-haste. How you get from that to grand proclamations starting with “well if nobody ever hires him” I will never know. I don’t care what other people do. I’m not basing my actions on the effects on this one guy of a hypothetical universe where everyone does what I do. The guy is a loser, I wouldn’t want him near me, that’s the end of it. > Gotta love the SDMB. Someone starts an OP about how to treat a sex offender and all-around loser they hired and several people suggest to pay him more. > He’s in your house, talking to your wife, having conversations with you, dealing with stuff involving money and fixing your house–he’s in your life, at least while he’s working for you. > > I don’t think he deserves a bullet in the head–I don’t think “deserves” means anything. I’m just telling you what I would do, which is to not have people like this in my life. Fortunately, he is not in my home. He is in a vacant rental house and only has contact with my wife when I’m around. I truly do understand where you are coming from though. He may be a loser, but he is doing a damn good job at the tasks I hired him for. I guess I am having trouble seeing this as a black and white issue and I envy the fact that you can. ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/127 "2012-07-30T03:11:22Z")
> [@Rand\_Rover](#): > > I just said that I think the guy is a fucking loser and I wouldn’t hire him, and if I were the OP I would fire his ass post-haste. \*\*How you get from that to grand proclamations starting with “well if nobody ever hires him” \*\*I will never know. I don’t care what other people do. I’m not basing my actions on the effects on this one guy of a hypothetical universe where everyone does what I do. The guy is a loser, I wouldn’t want him near me, that’s the end of it. Because, it’s kinda assumed “I would never” = “Nobody should ever” You can only expect the same standard from others that you expect of yourself. If you are quite willing to condemn the guy, why should anyone else hire him. Ever. Your post fits in perfectly with everything else you post on this board. All I can say is that it simply reaffirms that I’m more than pleased that I don’t know you. You’re far from the sort of person that I would like to spend any time with, and further, you sound like a fucking self entitled, arrogant kumkwat to me. ---
**Author:** ![Rand\_Rover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/128 "2012-07-30T03:14:37Z")
> [@bengangmo](#): > > Because, it’s kinda assumed > “I would never” = “Nobody should ever” > You can only expect the same standard from others that you expect of yourself. > > If you are quite willing to condemn the guy, why should anyone else hire him. Ever. > > Your post fits in perfectly with everything else you post on this board. > > All I can say is that it simply reaffirms that I’m more than pleased that I don’t know you. You’re far from the sort of person that I would like to spend any time with, and further, you sound like a fucking self entitled, arrogant kumkwat to me. I don’t deal in “should,” broseph. It’s a meaningless thing to talk about. I do make policy arguments about what course a government should take, but I don’t say someone “should” do something because to do otherwise would be “immoral” or any such nonsense. And of course these posts fit in with everything else I post. I’m a rational person who loves his family and doesn’t put up with other people’s bullshit. I don’t see why I’d make an exception on any of those scores for this guy. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/129 "2012-07-30T03:16:49Z")
It’s just a hypothetical in your case, **Randy**. I’m sure this guy would never want to associate with a tax attorney. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/130 "2012-07-30T03:21:51Z")
> [@Crime\_Scene](#): > > My wife and I decided that we need to ask him at least to explain himself. I don’t necessarily want details because it is going to be coming from him and I’m sure his version is quite a bit different. Allow be to be a devil’s advocate here, no pun intended. What possible benefit is there to you confronting him about things you know to be true and which don’t materially affect your business relationship with the guy? I can’t think of any possible positive outcome. His only possible response will be to be embarassed and say “yeah, I did those things but I’m trying to do better now.” What the hell else is he going to say? If his plan is to continue being a criminal he’s not going to admit that, is he? He has a criminal past. Criminals tend to have a lot of convictions. Either keep using him or don’t, but acting like some sort of judge isn’t going to do you any good. You’ll create a dynamic there that simply doesn’t do either of you any good. Just do business with him or don’t do business with him. If you think you’re getting value for your money, personally, I’d keep doing business with him, since he’s not really in a position where his history presents a risk to you, especially given his track record of service to you. But that’s just me. Shut up about his past and tell him what you want fixed, or else don’t. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/131 "2012-07-30T03:23:30Z")
> [@MannyL](#): > > What if the reason he wasn’t paying child support was he was unable to work because no one would hire him? Well, he could have become a lawyer but even he had standards. ---
**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 30, 2012, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/132 "2012-07-30T03:28:34Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Allow be to be a devil’s advocate here, no pun intended. > > What possible benefit is there to you confronting him about things you know to be true and which don’t materially affect your business relationship with the guy? I can’t think of any possible positive outcome. His only possible response will be to be embarassed and say “yeah, I did those things but I’m trying to do better now.” What the hell else is he going to say? > > If his plan is to continue being a criminal he’s not going to admit that, is he? > > He has a criminal past. Criminals tend to have a lot of convictions. Either keep using him or don’t, but acting like some sort of judge isn’t going to do you any good. You’ll create a dynamic there that simply doesn’t do either of you any good. Just do business with him or don’t do business with him. > > If you think you’re getting value for your money, personally, I’d keep doing business with him, since he’s not really in a position where his history presents a risk to you, especially given his track record of service to you. But that’s just me. Shut up about his past and tell him what you want fixed, or else don’t. I agree with this in full RickJay. My wife, however, is hesitant to keep him employed because this is a small town and she is worried about what kind of reputation we may gain if his background was exposed to the community. She is a psychologist who believes she can judge whether or not he is a changed man by listening to his explanation, looking for regret, and examining his behavior when confronted with the situation. Personally, I don’t see what good can come of it either and I’m on the same side of the fence as you. He is doing good by me and has been honest and straight forward when it comes to prices and time frames. At this point I will probably hire him for more work; I just wanted to check his background to make sure there were no charges of fraud or theft. If there were any of those I could see asking him about it, otherwise it just feels like its none of my business. If it had just happened and it was making headlines in the local paper I could justify asking him. If I develop a further working relationship with him I may ask him about it in a round-a-bout way in the future. I have no desire to be his friend or anything like that, but I do want to know the people I have handling my money/materials. ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/133 "2012-07-30T03:36:10Z")
> [@Crime\_Scene](#): > > I agree with this in full RickJay. My wife, however, is hesitant to keep him employed because this is a small town and she is worried about what kind of reputation we may gain if his background was exposed to the community. This is both the joy of a small community, and represents all that is wrong with them. I grew up in a small town, and the help they can give is amazing. At the same time, who you want to legally hire is totally your own business, and you should never be made to feel ashamed or “scared” of what others will think of you when legally hiring someone to work on your place. I’m a contrary prick, so that sort of reaction would make me MORE likely to keep him on, not less. ---
**Author:** ![Rand\_Rover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/134 "2012-07-30T03:36:40Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > Well, he could have become a lawyer but even he had standards. Snark fail. He couldn’t pass a character and fitness review to become a lawyer. ---
**Author:** ![Beastly\_Rotter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/45deac/32.png) [@Beastly\_Rotter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beastly_Rotter)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/135 "2012-07-30T03:37:29Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > If he has done a good job and worked hard at a bargain price I’d consider a serious tip. You had to go there, didn’t you? You just had to go and turn a perfectly innocuous discussion about child rape into a tipping debate. ---
**Author:** ![Rand\_Rover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/136 "2012-07-30T03:40:37Z")
> [@bengangmo](#): > > At the same time, who you want to legally hire is totally your own business, and you should never be made to feel ashamed or “scared” of what others will think of you when legally hiring someone to work on your place. And those "others " include a bunch of soft -headed douches on a liberal -leaning Internet messageboard. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/137 "2012-07-30T03:42:19Z")
> [@Rand\_Rover](#): > > Snark fail. He couldn’t pass a character and fitness review to become a lawyer. You are right. When asked would you do horrible thing X for your client or money? He would have to answer no. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2012, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/138 "2012-07-30T03:44:55Z")
> [@Beastly\_Rotter](#): > > You had to go there, didn’t you? You just had to go and turn a perfectly innocuous discussion about child rape into a tipping debate. So is child raping in Canada okay but tipping bad? Or the other way around? I forget. Though I have heard that in Europe they pay their child rapist a living wage so over there you don’t have to tip and its not expected (but the raping service sucks) 🙂 ---
**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 30, 2012, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/139 "2012-07-30T03:45:00Z")
> [@bengangmo](#): > > This is both the joy of a small community, and represents all that is wrong with them. I grew up in a small town, and the help they can give is amazing. > > At the same time, who you want to legally hire is totally your own business, and you should never be made to feel ashamed or “scared” of what others will think of you when legally hiring someone to work on your place. > > I’m a contrary prick, so that sort of reaction would make me MORE likely to keep him on, not less. I’m the same way, bro. The more this town looks down on me the better I feel about not liking their backwards beliefs. ---
**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 30, 2012, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724/140 "2012-07-30T03:45:02Z")
> [@Rand\_Rover](#): > > Snark fail. He couldn’t pass a character and fitness review to become a lawyer. I never realized scoring too high was a fail. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-handyman-is-a-convicted-sex-offender/629724.md?page=8)