§ 23.17. Enforcement by attorney general. The attorney general may prosecute every person charged with a criminal offense in violation of this article and regulations issued thereunder, or any violation of any other law of this state applicable to or in respect to fraudulent practices in connection with the offer, sale, negotiation or advertising of syndication interests in theatrical productions, as defined herein. In all such proceedings, the attorney general may appear in person or by his deputy before any court of record or any grand jury and exercise all the powers and perform all the duties in respect of such actions or proceedings which the district attorney would otherwise be authorized or required to exercise or perform; or the attorney general may in his discretion transmit evidence, proof and information as to such offense to the district attorney of the county or counties in which the alleged violation has occurred, and every district attorney to whom such evidence, proof and information is so transmitted may proceed to investigate and prosecute any corporation, company, association, or officer, manager or agent thereof, or any firm or person charged with such violation. In any such proceeding, wherein the attorney general has appeared either in person or by deputy, the district attorney shall only exercise such powers and perform such duties as are required of him by the attorney general or the deputy attorney general so appearing.