The prosecuting attorney of the county in which the newspaper is published, when complaint is made to the prosecuting attorney in writing of the refusal or failure of any newspaper company or persons to comply with sections 2739.13 to 2739.18 of the Revised Code, relative to the publication of such statements or articles, shall investigate the complaint and upon reasonable cause shall begin proceedings against the newspaper company or person and prosecute the same.
R.C. §2739.16