A Winnipeg federal Crown attorney has been fired and is now facing criminal charges in connection with his alleged involvement with a city prostitute, the Winnipeg Sun has learned.

Richard Smith was fired in June, weeks before police charged him with one count each of obtaining sexual services for consideration and abetting the alleged victim to breach a recognizance by “wilfully encouraging” her to breach a court-ordered curfew.

Justice sources have told the Sun an out-of-province Crown authorized the charges following a lengthy investigation.

The alleged victim declined an interview request through her lawyer.

Contacted at his home earlier this month, Smith would not comment directly on the charges, saying he was ready to “start a new chapter” in his life.

“It's an awkward situation,” he said. “Sure I'm embarrassed ... but I'm far from devastated.”

Ian Mahon, chief federal prosecutor for the province, confirmed Smith's firing, but would not disclose any other details.

“The reasons will remain between Richard and me, but they predate the laying of charges,” Mahon said.

Mahon said Smith's firing was “not necessarily connected” to the criminal allegations against him.

“People leave employment all the time, for all kinds if reasons,” he said.

Smith is bound by a recognizance requiring him to have no contact with the alleged victim, not attend any “known areas of prostitution,” not to loiter within two city blocks of any elementary, junior high or high school and not to attend any “body rub parlours.”

Smith's next court date is Aug. 29.