Background:
I'm newly hired in a consulting company (IT), and recently I've met with a client where my employer would like me to go to work. I had an interview and met the team.
The problem is that I know one member of the team as I had worked with him for four years.
Let's call him Bill. Bill is an IT technician, not a good one, may I add. I'm an administrator / engineer. During that time together, Bill never wanted to do something he didn't come up with. Got a solution about that problem that bugs everyone for six months, too bad, Bill doesn't like it, Bill doesn't do it.
My work relationship with Bill went from bad to worse during this time.
But the worst part is that Bill has a history of sexual harassment. He has been fired for sending dirty texts to non-consenting female coworkers. He found their numbers by searching in HR files (which he had access to).
After he was fired, several female coworkers on the office said that he texted them at some point.
That was one year ago, and Bill didn't show any remorse at the time.
To conclude, there is no way I want to, or will work with Bill again.
Question(s):
I'm newly hired, so I can't refuse a client without explanation. Should I be honest with my employer or should I find another reason?
I'm quite sure the client doesn't know about Bill's past. Should I let them know?
The sexual harassment actions are not hearsay. I've seen the texts from Bill. Bill went to a labour court (conseil de prud'hommes) for his dismissal being classified as unjustified, and court ruled him out. I don't have any evidence in my possession, but those exist.
Me not being a target is not the question here.