A broker-dealer, agent, investment adviser, federal covered investment adviser or investment adviser representative is not liable to another broker-dealer, agent, investment adviser, federal covered investment adviser or investment adviser representative for defamation relating to a statement that is contained in a record required by the administrator or designee of the administrator, the Securities and Exchange Commission or a self-regulatory organization, unless the person knew, or should have known at the time that the statement was made, that it was false in a material respect or the person acted in reckless disregard of the statement's truth or falsity.

§16508.__Criminal penalties

1.__Criminal penalties.__A person that intentionally or knowingly violates this chapter, or a rule adopted or order issued under this chapter, except section 16504 or the notice filing requirements of section 16302 or 16405, or that intentionally or knowingly violates section 16505 knowing the statement made to be false or misleading in a material respect, upon conviction, commits a Class C crime. An individual convicted of violating a rule or order under this chapter may be fined, but may not be imprisoned, if the individual did not have knowledge of the rule or order.

2.__Referral to Attorney General.__The administrator may refer such evidence as is available concerning violations of this chapter or any rule or order issued under this chapter to the Attorney General, who may, with or without such a reference from the administrator, institute the appropriate criminal proceedings under this chapter.__The Attorney General may request assistance from the administrator or employees of the administrator.

3.__No limitation on other criminal enforcement.__This chapter does not limit the power of this State to punish a person for conduct that constitutes a crime under other laws of this State.

4.__ Venue.__When a person pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct, whether upon the same person or several persons, engages in fraudulent or other prohibited practices, engages in unlawful transactions of business or other unlawful conduct or engages in unlawful offers to sell or purchase or unlawful sales or purchases under this chapter, the State may opt for a single Class C count, and, in that circumstance, prosecution may be brought in any venue in which one or more of the unlawful acts were committed.