Felon for Hire?

Question

I have been using a guy as a handyman for about a year now. He does great work...timely and I can always trust it is done right.

I recommended this guy to another person. He did good work there too. A few days later the guys wife had a bad dream about the guy and so they started looking up info on the web about him. Turns out he was convicted of double murder in the early 90s. Served the time given and now is out on parole.

What are your thoughts on using the guy? We have rentals with students living in them. We also flip from time to time.

Aaron Mazzrillo · Answer

Well, if he likes double murders, you and your buddy shouldn't approach him at the same time!

Derek W. · Answer

Y'all are finding contractors that AREN'T felons?

Andrew Stack · Answer

Wow, I'm just looking to buy my first buy and hold property. This seems so far down the road and such a huge problem to have! I can't imagine dealing with this right now, but I particularly admire @Karen Margrave's response. Very nice job with your decision-making.

Jeff S. · Answer

Better as a friend. Everyone deserves work. Without work it could be your window he jumps through when he is desperate. Keep an eye on him. I'd want details.

Joe Bertolino · Answer

Lots of risk with very little reward.  There are plenty of good handymen out there that have not shown the ability to take a human life... Go find one.  Think if your daughter was a tenant and her landlord sent a convicted murderer into her apartment to make some repairs and god forbid something happened to her.   If it were my daughter,  I would ruin your life for knowingly exposed her to that situation.   If you want to deal with him on flips then go ahead but any interaction with your tenants is a huge liability.  It is a stupid,  stupid risk to take.

Ben Skove · Answer

I agree with what Aaron wrote. I also would be concerned about your potential liability, particularly now that you're aware of his background, if he were to commit a crime at one of your properties. I assume he's not bonded?

I'm not a lawyer, and hopefully those with more pertinent experience can chime in.

Aaron Yates · Answer

i agree with @Jason Minnich . Look into it more. Ask questions. Not all Felons are bad. I know from experience!!

If he was convicted of double murders... how is he out already? That should be life in prison. Make sure your information is right. Maybe it was a car accident, drunk driving, something lik that. Otherwise there is no way he could be out on parole for double murders.

Was he a teenager? Please look at his circumstances and give him a chance if he is truly changed and honest. Not everyone stays a criminal and everyone's convictions do NOT tell the story of what truly happened.

If it turns out hes bad, then fire him but explain why. If he's truly changed he will understand this. He will be upset but he should be able to accept it. If he's hiding things he may get angry. So either way, think before you approach. Do it with care and concern.

Just don't assume he is still bad. One day, if I write a book as has been suggested lagely, I will tell my whole story how I got where I am and where I started at. But for now, don't prejudge without further due diligence.

Jimmy Hong · Answer

How can you get out this soon after being convicted of double murders?  That's the question that keeps popping up in my thoughts.

Karen Margrave · Answer

A double murder isn't a victimless crime! 2 people lost their lives. Check into it further, and find out what the circumstances are, begin by asking him. Was it self defense, 1st degree murder or ? You owe it to those you are allowing him to be around to get the information.

As for felons, we have used many felons on our construction jobs over the years, usually no more tan 2-3 at a time. By doing that we were able to train them in a trade, which enabled them to get their lives back on track. Some of them are now good friends of ours, and others we had to fire.

The jails are full of good people that did stupid things and got arrested. The prisons also release predatory perverts, violent criminals, etc. that should never be allowed around unsuspecting people, so use good judgment!

Brian R. · Answer

thanks for all the great input. I am sure it is him. The info online has mugshots. I don't know the details and really don't need to. He does good work but he will not be going around my tenants anymore. I will give him flips. He is a nice guy. But yes I don't want his wrath. He is a big guy who claims to have benched 450 at one point  so will surely try to keep him on my good side.

Thanks again.

Brian

Felon for Hire?

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