Section 949.17. Offenses.

 

(1)   Prohibition. In connection with the crime victim compensation program, no person may:

(a) Submit a fraudulent application or claim for an award;

(b) Intentionally make or cause to be made any false statement or representation of a material fact; or

(c) Intentionally conceal or fail to disclose information affecting the amount of or the initial or continued right to any such award when reasonably requested to provide such information by the department.

(2)   Penalties. Any person who violates this section shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than 6 months or both. The person shall further forfeit any benefit received and shall reimburse the state for payments received or paid to or on behalf of the person.

(3)   Damages. The state has a civil cause of action for relief against any person who violates this section for the amount of damages which the state sustained by reason of the violation and, in addition, for punitive damages not more than double the amount of damages which the state may have sustained, together with interest, and the cost of the suit.

(4)   Action. The attorney general may bring any action and has such powers as may be necessary to enforce this section.

1975 c. 344 , 421 ; 1981 c. 20 .