A. Any person who willfully violates any provision of this Code except Section 654 of this title, or any rule under this Code, or any order of which the person has notice, or who violates Section 654 of this title, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the statement made was false or misleading in any material respect, shall be guilty of a felony and may be fined not more than Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) or imprisoned not more than three (3) years, or both.

B. The Administrator may refer such evidence as is available concerning violations of this Code or any rule or order hereunder to the Attorney General or the district attorney of the appropriate district, who may, with or without any reference, institute the appropriate criminal proceedings. The Attorney General or district attorney may designate and appoint one or more lawyers of the Department of Securities as special assistants as available for the purpose of assisting in or conducting all criminal prosecutions arising by reason of proceedings under this section.

C. Nothing in this Code limits the power of the state to punish any person for any conduct which constitutes a crime under any other statute.

Added by Laws 1977, c. 95, § 658. Amended by Laws 1988, c. 108, § 26, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 581, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 421, eff. July 1, 1999.

NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 581 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.