Dear Amy: I’m a recent college graduate working in my first “adult” job.
I work very closely every day with an older co-worker who essentially oversees all of my work activities.
Recently, while trying to connect with him on LinkedIn (with no success, because he isn’t a user), I Googled his name and the state he lives in.
The first result was an article from several years ago with his mugshot, saying he had been arrested a decade ago for an alleged sexual assault on a minor.
The article didn’t give details on how the case ended. Still, I looked into his background a little more with free online tools and discovered that he has many other crimes on his record, including burglary and domestic assault.
I feel incredibly disturbed and uncomfortable since learning this, and I’m dreading continuing to work with him.
What should I do?
— Concerned in Colorado
Dear Concerned: It is never wise to override your own instincts if you don’t feel safe.
Because these crimes involve violence against people and property, you should take your concerns to HR.
You have the right and the responsibility to attend to your own concerns and safety — in and out of the workplace. After your own investigation, you will have to make an informed decision regarding what to do about what you have learned.
