Sydney man charged with prostitution-related offences under new law

A man from Sydney has been charged with three prostitution-related offences under new laws introduced in Bill C-36, the Protectionof Communities and Exploited Persons Act.

Curtis Matthew Rose, 32,is accused of obtaining sexual services for consideration, receiving a material benefit from sexual services and procuring a person to offer or provide sexual services.

Cape Breton Regional Police wouldn't release many details about the case,but they say his arrest was the result of an "ongoing and extensive investigation led by the community safety enforcement unit in response to recent prostitution activity in downtown Sydney."

Earlier this year, downtown merchants complained of open prostitution in broad daylight as well as at night.

Police say theyhave stepped up foot patrols in the downtown and have applied what they call "dedicated resources" to eliminating the problem.

Rose has been released from custody and willbe back in court July 20.