Recently, a friend and colleague disclosed to me that she had previously been more or less a career criminal for over a decade until she was caught, did time and has moved on to more legitimate pursuits for the last five years or so (where I met her).

I know she told me this in the context of discussing some philosophical issues we were engaged in at the time, but I also realize she trusted me to be non-judgmental about her past and someone who could keep her secret.

I’m glad she has moved on with her life in a positive way and will continue to be her friend and colleague. Unfortunately, some of the activities she engaged in makes her a pretty good predator for the rest of us, financially-speaking and I’m a little more wary of her. In fact, unsure if I should even invite her to my home for dinner in the future, as initially planned.

My question is, do you think she is capable of reverting back to her previous life of crime and if so, could she be a threat to those around her? Should I be a little worried/wary? It’s only been about 5 years. I would like to hear from people who have had similar experiences or don’t mind sharing their own stories as a former career criminal (feel free to portray yourself in the third person if you are uncomfortable describing your own past/present but would like to contribute). I’m leaning towards maintaining the friendship as it currently stands, but I think I may hang back on becoming better friends.

Here are some more details: She has not shown much remorse for her activities, except for getting caught, but has stated that this chapter of her life is closed, although she has had many opportunities, and continues to have those opportunities, to go back to her criminal activity if she should choose to. Thoughts?

Topics: friendship, trust, criminals, rehabilitation, career choices, criminal minds, life of crime, roads of life, white-collar crime, racketeering, indictment, ex-con