(a) The division of motor vehicle enforcement, or such other division of the department as may be directed to by the commissioner, has the following responsibilities and duties:
(1) Perform odometer fraud investigations, detect altered titles and vehicles, identify perpetrators, secure vehicle documentation and evidence for eventual indictment and prosecution of persons involved in odometer fraud;(2) Perform covert odometer fraud investigations of individuals and dealers in odometer tampering by use of surveillance, undercover odometer rollbacks, title washing buys and other techniques;(3) Perform overt odometer fraud investigations of individuals and dealers by interpreting title histories, interviewing subjects, informants, spinners and suspected perpetrators and utilizing lab analysis reports to support altered documents;(4) Prepare odometer fraud outline memoranda to be used by United States attorneys in the indictment and prosecution of odometer tamperers;(5) Assist United States attorneys in the indictment and trial process of major odometer fraud cases, and analyze and evaluate the total factual investigation for maximum effectiveness in the trial presentation by the United States attorneys;(6)Testify before grand juries and in criminal prosecutions;(7) Serve subpoenas in the investigation and prosecution of odometer fraud;(8) Assist and coordinate with state and federal agencies nationwide in the investigation and prosecution of odometer fraud;(9) Train and supervise persons involved in investigations by the unit; and(10) Perform other duties relative to odometer fraud as may be assigned to the unit by the division.(b) The division shall maintain agents in each grand division to investigate odometer fraud, but the activities of such agents shall be coordinated so as to ensure the most effective use of all employees.(c) The increased costs imposed on the department by this section and of Acts 1989, chapter 276 amending §§ 55-2-112 and 55-6-101 shall be funded from the increase in the state fee for certificates of title authorized by chapter 276 of the Public Acts of 1989, increasing the fee from three dollars ($3.00) to three dollars and fifty cents ($3.50).
