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.
(..) Wow. Too damn long. Cameron Dennis, District Attorney. Meet Mike Ross, my associate. Hi. I guess that makes you his Harvey. Sorry? Harvey was my associate. I taught him (..)2011 TvShow: Suits Title: Rules of the Game Season: 1 Episode 11