Section 11-8-2.1-5-505 - Penalties(a) Criminal penalties are imposed by Miss. Code Ann. § 53-9-19. Section 53-9-19 prohibits each employee of the Department who performs any function or duty under the act from having a direct or indirect financial interest in any surface or underground coal mining operation. The act provides that whoever knowingly violates the provisions of § 53-9-19 shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $2,500 or by imprisonment of not more than one year or both.(b) Regulatory penalties are imposed by this Rule. The provisions in § 53-9-19 of the act make compliance with the financial interest requirements a condition of employment for employees of the Department who perform any functions or duties under the act. Accordingly, an employee who fails to file the required statement will be considered in violation of the intended employment provisions of § 53-9-19 and will be subject to removal from his or her position.11 Miss. Code. R. § 8-2.1-5-505