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.
(..) does he know these things? Well, I'm doing my best to find out. -Who's he looking at? -Alex Dimitrios. That slimy bugger. Now known associates... Le Chiffre. We've had a good night, we've had a few drinks. How can I assist you, sir? Good evening. (..)2006 Casino Royale