49:3-68 Powers of bureau chief.

21. (a) The bureau chief in his discretion (1) may make such private investigations within or outside of this State as he deems necessary to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this act or any rule or order hereunder, or to aid in the enforcement of this act or in the prescribing of rules and forms hereunder, (2) may require or permit any person to file a statement in writing, under oath or otherwise as the bureau chief determines, as to all the facts and circumstances concerning the matter to be investigated, and (3) may publish information concerning any violation of this act or any rule or order hereunder;

(b) For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding under this act, the bureau chief or any officer designated by him may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence and require the production of any books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, agreements or other documents or records which the bureau chief deems relevant or material to the inquiry. At his discretion, the bureau chief may make available private investigative materials to representatives of domestic or foreign governmental authorities, self-regulatory organizations, state or federal law enforcement officers, state securities administrators, and trustees in bankruptcy. The bureau may also disclose that information: (i) in court proceedings; (ii) if ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction; or (iii) if appropriate, in furtherance of any ongoing investigation or proceeding. The bureau chief may also request and use private investigative materials provided to it by other federal and state authorities, including authorities of other states and foreign countries;

(c) In case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena or order issued to, any person, the Superior Court, upon application by the bureau chief, may issue to the person an order requiring him to appear before the bureau chief, or the officer designated by him, there to produce documentary evidence if so ordered or to give evidence touching the matter under investigation or in question. The court may grant injunctive relief restraining the issuance, sale or offer for sale, purchase or offer to purchase, promotion, negotiation, advertisement or distribution from or within this State of any securities or investment advisory advice concerning securities by a person, or agent, employee, broker, partner, officer, director, investment adviser, investment adviser representative or issuer or stockholder thereof, until such person has fully complied with such subpoena or order and the bureau has completed its investigation. The court may proceed in the action in a summary manner or otherwise;

(d) No person is excused from attending and testifying or from producing any document or record before the bureau or in obedience to the subpoena or order of the bureau chief or any officer designated by him, or in any proceeding instituted by the bureau, on the ground that the testimony or evidence (documentary or otherwise) required of him may tend to incriminate him or subject him to a penalty or forfeiture; but the testimony or evidence (documentary or otherwise) compelled from an individual who has claimed his privilege against self-incrimination, or the fruits thereof, may not be used to prosecute that individual or to subject that individual to any penalty or forfeiture, except that the individual testifying is not exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury, false swearing or contempt committed in testifying;

(e) When it shall appear to the bureau chief that the testimony of any person is essential to an investigation instituted by him as provided by this chapter, and that the failure of such person to appear and testify may defeat the proper and effective conduct thereof, the bureau chief, in addition to the other remedies provided for herein, may, by petition verified generally, setting forth the facts, apply to the Superior Court for a writ of ne exeat against such person. The court shall thereupon direct the issuance of the writ against such person requiring him to give sufficient bail conditioned to insure his appearance before the bureau chief for examination under oath in such investigation and that he will continue his appearance therein from time to time until the completion of the investigation and will appear before the court if the bureau chief shall institute any proceeding therein as a result of his investigation.

The court shall cause to be indorsed on the writ of ne exeat, in words at length, a suitable amount of bail upon which the person named in the writ shall be freed, having a due regard to the nature of the case and the value of the securities involved. All applications to be freed on bail shall be on notice to the bureau chief and the sufficiency of the bail given on the writ shall be approved by the court. All recognizances shall be to the State and all forfeitures thereof shall be declared by the court. The proceeds of the forfeitures shall be paid into the State treasury.

L.1967,c.93,s.21; amended 1997, c.276, s.25.