109.84 Investigation and prosecution of violation of workers compensation law.

109.84 Investigation and prosecution of violation of workers compensation law.

(A) Upon the written request of the governor, the industrial commission, the administrator of workers’ compensation, or upon the attorney general’s becoming aware of criminal or improper activity related to Chapter 4121. or 4123. of the Revised Code, the attorney general shall investigate any criminal or civil violation of law related to Chapter 4121. or 4123. of the Revised Code.

(B) When it appears to the attorney general, as a result of an investigation under division (A) of this section, that there is cause to prosecute for the commission of a crime or to pursue a civil remedy, he may refer the evidence to the prosecuting attorney having jurisdiction of the matter, or to a regular grand jury drawn and impaneled pursuant to sections 2939.01 to 2939.24 of the Revised Code, or to a special grand jury drawn and impaneled pursuant to section 2939.17 of the Revised Code, or he may initiate and prosecute any necessary criminal or civil actions in any court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction in this state. When proceeding under this section, the attorney general has all rights, privileges, and powers of prosecuting attorneys, and any assistant or special counsel designated by him for that purpose has the same authority.

(C) The attorney general shall be reimbursed by the bureau of workers’ compensation for all actual and necessary costs incurred in conducting investigations requested by the governor, the commission, or the administrator and all actual and necessary costs in conducting the prosecution arising out of such investigation.

Effective Date: 11-03-1989