He is a known 'associate' of criminals. [=he is known to associate with criminals; people know that he works with or spends time with criminals]
She was promoted from assistant editor to 'associate' editor and may soon be promoted to senior editor.
He was 'associated' [='connected, identified'] 'with' a group of radicals in the government.
(..) What's up? Just wondering who washes a rental car. Walt, who was that? She's a former business associate who wants me to go back. And I won't. Enrique, this one's finished. Get out of here. Now. (..)2013 TvShow: Breaking Bad Title: Blood Money Season: 5 Episode 9