WINNIPEG — A former federal Crown attorney is facing charges related to his alleged involvement with a prostitute.
Richard Smith, 54, has been charged with obtaining sexual services for consideration and willfully encouraging the sex trade worker to breach her court ordered curfew.
Court documents obtained by Global News allege the incidents occurred between July 2, 2015 and Jan. 1, 2016.
They state Smith was “wilfully encouraging” the alleged victim to breach a court-ordered curfew.
Smith became a lawyer in 2002 but according to the Law Society of Manitoba has been an “inactive” member since July 13.
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Due to his involvement with the legal system in Manitoba, sources told Global News the case was referred to an out-of-province Crown who then authorized the charges.
A federal prosecutor from the Crown’s office confirmed that Smith’s employment with the province ended on June 3, weeks before charges were laid, and said the office is not concerned about any other potential conflicts by the counselor.
“Absolutely this is rare,” he told Global News. “(But) there is no reason for this to have any effect on any of his prior cases or the office in general.”
Global News spoke with a Defense lawyer, who said in a circumstance like this, Smith is likely to be held to a much higher standard by the judge presiding over the case due to his former position.
Smith was released on his own recognizance but with conditions.
Court documents said he must “abstain from communicating, directly or indirectly, with” the alleged victim. He is not allowed to be within 200m of the victim’s home or place of work, he cannot be within any known areas of prostitution in Winnipeg or within Manitoba, he cannot loiter within two city blocks of any elementary, junior high or high school in the city of Winnipeg and he cannot attend any “body rub parlours.”
Smith did not answer the door Friday afternoon when Global News knocked.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 29.
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