Missouri Revised Statutes Title XII. Public Health and Welfare § 198.161. Fraud investigation division created--director--compensation--assistance by local prosecutors

1. There is hereby created within the department of social services a “Fraud Investigation Division”. The fraud investigation division shall be headed by a division director appointed by the director of the department of social services. The director of the fraud investigation division shall be an attorney at law licensed to practice in this state and shall have substantial experience in criminal prosecution or defense. The director of the fraud investigation division shall receive such compensation as the director of the department of social services may designate subject to appropriation by the general assembly. The director of the fraud investigation division may employ such attorneys, accountants, investigators and such other personnel as are necessary to conduct the activities of the division. A team approach to the operations of the division shall be utilized wherever practicable.

2. The director of the fraud investigation division, with such assistance as he may require from the appropriate county prosecuting attorney, shall investigate suspected violations of sections 198.139 to 198.155 and any civil liabilities due the state as a result of any such violation. Evidence of actions which may constitute criminal violations under sections 198.139 to 198.155 shall be referred to the appropriate county prosecuting attorney. If the prosecuting attorney fails or refuses to initiate prosecution on a cause referred to him by the director of the fraud investigation division within sixty days after he is made aware by complaint of an alleged violation, the prosecuting attorney shall so notify the attorney general, who may take full charge of the prosecution and may initiate prosecution by information or indictment for the violation.