1-40-303. Distribution of profits from crime.

(a) Any person who contracts with a defendant convicted of a criminal act in this state, or the defendant's representative or assignee, for payment of any profits from the criminal act of which the defendant is convicted shall pay to the division any money that would otherwise by terms of the contract be paid to the defendant or the defendant's representatives or assignees. The division shall deposit the money in an escrow account for the benefit of any victim of the criminal act of which the defendant was convicted.

(b) Notwithstanding any other applicable statute of limitations, any person who is a victim of the criminal act from which a defendant receives profits under subsection (a) of this section may, within five (5) years of the establishment of the escrow account:

(i) Enforce any order of restitution entered against the defendant against the monies on deposit in the escrow account; or

(ii) Bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover a judgment against the defendant or the defendant's representatives or designees and enforce the judgment against monies on deposit in the escrow account.

(c) Upon establishing an escrow account pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the division shall notify, at their last known address, all known victims of the criminal act of the establishment of the escrow account. The notice shall specify the existence of the escrow account, the amount on deposit and the victim's right to execute an order of restitution or bring a civil action to recover against the monies in the escrow account within five (5) years of the date the escrow account is established.

(d) The attorney general is authorized to bring any action necessary to enforce subsection (a) of this section. If the attorney general prevails in an action under this subsection, the court shall order the payment from the monies recovered to the attorney general of reasonable costs and attorney's fees.