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(a) Any person may petition the Office to initiate an investigation under the provisions of this chapter. Such petition may be presented by any means, including anonymously. The Office may also initiate an investigation on its own motion.\n(b) Within ninety (90) days after the filing of the petition, the Office shall conduct a preliminary investigation. If, after concluding the preliminary investigation, the Office believes that an in-depth investigation is in order, the Office must conclude such investigation within one (1) year. These terms shall be strictly observed. If there is just cause, the Office may extend these terms up to ninety (90) days or one (1) year, respectively.\n(c) In those cases in which the person making the petition provided an address, the Office shall notify him/her of the action taken.\n(d) Any person who intentionally provides or publishes information or makes reports publicly on any investigation being conducted by the Office without having been authorized to do so by the Executive Director shall be guilty of a felony. Upon conviction of this crime, such person shall be punished by imprisonment for a fixed term of three (3) years and a fine of five

zed to do so by the Executive Director shall be guilty of a felony. Upon conviction of this crime, such person shall be punished by imprisonment for a fixed term of three (3) years and a fine of five thousand dollars ($5,000). The court may also impose community service. If the aforementioned conduct is the result of carelessness or omission, such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, such person shall be punished by imprisonment for a fixed term of six (6) months and a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000).\nHistory —Jan. 3, 2012, No. 1, § 7.1.