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.
(..) Can we get out of the car now? Quiet. Don Timmons? Why you just waiting in the car? Gladys wouldn't hurt you. FBI Special Agent Booth. This here is my associate, Dr. Brennan. - Do you know Dr. Seth Elliot? - Sure, I do. Went to high school with him. He's my vet. Why? He was murdered. (..)2008 TvShow: Bones Title: The Finger in the Nest Season: 4 Episode 3