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While I was interviewing two felons for a story this week about a job fair aimed at people trying to re-enter the workforce, an interesting discussion came about regarding the severity of crimes.

The felons as well as the experts told me that killers who are trying to find a job once they have done their time -- find work easier that some less serious crimes.

Theft and drug charges apparently rub employers the wrong way.  Experts say it's a trust issue and bosses believe if you steal or use drugs -- the leap is a small one to go down the path again.  Drugs pose liability questions.  And no one wants you to take stuff from the company.

The third category employers stay away from are sex offenders.  I see what bothers people about that one. 

But I still don't get why if you killed someone, bosses think you'll be a better employee and are more desirable than other non-violent categories.  I asked that question to a man who spent 11-years in prison for 2nd Degree Murder.  He said he told them the truth --explaining how he was protecting his family and his employers were comfortable enough with his answer that they hired him.

Brian