Section 169.17. Revocation or refusal to issue or renew certificate

(A) After notice and an opportunity for a hearing conducted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the director of commerce shall revoke or refuse to issue or renew a certificate of registration if the director finds either of the following:

(1) During the immediately preceding ten-year period, the person violated division (A) of section 169.16 on or after the effective date of this section, or division (C) of section 169.13 of the Revised Code, or has been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, any felony or any offense involving moral turpitude, including theft, attempted theft, falsification, tampering with records, securing writings by deception, fraud, forgery, and perjury.

(2) The person's character and general fitness do not command the confidence of the public or warrant the belief that the person's business will be conducted honestly and fairly.

(B) The director may investigate alleged violations of division (C) of section 169.13 or division (A) of section 169.16 of the Revised Code or complaints concerning any such violation. The director may make application to the court of common pleas for an order enjoining any such violation and, upon a showing by the director that a person has committed or is about to commit such a violation, the court shall grant an injunction, restraining order, or other appropriate relief.

(C) In conducting any investigation pursuant to this section, the director may compel, by subpoena, witnesses to testify in relation to any matter over which the director has jurisdiction and may require the production of any book, record, or other document pertaining to that matter. If a person fails to file any statement or report, obey any subpoena, give testimony, produce any book, record, or other document as required by a subpoena, or permit photocopying of any book, record, or other document subpoenaed, the court of common pleas of any county in this state, upon application made to it by the director, shall compel obedience by attachment proceedings for contempt, as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from the court or a refusal to testify therein.

(D) If the director determines that a person is engaged in or is believed to be engaged in activities that may constitute a violation of division (C) of section 169.13 or division (A) of section 169.16 of the Revised Code, the director, after notice and a hearing conducted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, may issue a cease and desist order. Such an order shall be enforceable in the court of common pleas.

Effective Date: 2006 SB223 03-23-2007