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(h) No person shall knowingly make a false statement or misrepresentation, knowingly fail to disclose a material fact, aid, abet or conspire with any other person in obtaining public welfare benefits.

(j) No person shall knowingly directly or indirectly deprive himself of any property, income or other resources in order to qualify for public welfare benefits.

(k) Any person violating this section is guilty of:

(i) A felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than ten (10) years, a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), or both, if the value of the commodity, supplemental nutrition assistance benefit or other public welfare benefit under this article is five hundred dollars ($500.00) or more; or

(ii) A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, a fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), or both, if the value of the commodity, supplemental nutrition assistance benefit or other public welfare benefit under this article is less than five hundred dollars ($500.00).

(m) In addition to the penalty imposed under subsection (k) of this section, the amount of public welfare benefits improperly provided due to any violation of this section may be recovered by appropriate action which shall be instituted by the department or by the attorney general on behalf of the department.

(n) The department shall disapprove, terminate or modify the public welfare benefits to any applicant or recipient who has been found guilty of violating this section until any court sentence under this section is completed and full restitution is made to the department. Public welfare benefits shall not be denied to any minor because of violation of this section by a parent or guardian.

42-2-113. Assignment or transfer of assistance and services; exemption from legal process.