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.
(..) from Homeland Security. They'll be taking over our D.D.K. investigation. Temporarily. Until my team and I can assess all known associates of the Dorseys. So what, we're just supposed to sit on our ass for the next four days until the world ends? (..)2011 TvShow: Dexter Title: Talk to the Hand Season: 6 Episode 11