Section 16-9-57. False representation as representative of peace officer organization or fire service organization

   (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit or accept a fee, consideration, or donation or to offer for sale or to sell advertising as a representative of a peace officer organization or fire service organization or under the guise of representing a peace officer organization or fire service organization unless such person is employed by, is acting pursuant to the authority of, or is a member of such organization.

(b) As used in this Code section, the term:

   (1) "Fire service" shall include any person duly elected, appointed, or employed to engage in fire fighting.

   (2) "Peace officer" shall include any person duly elected, appointed, or employed to engage in public law enforcement work.

(c) Any person, firm, association, or corporation violating subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00 or by imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both.

(d) Any person, firm, association, or corporation violating subsection (a) of this Code section through the use of some form of communication across the boundaries of the state, whether such communication is by mail, by the use of any electronic device including but not limited to the use of a telephone or telegraph, or by any other means, shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than three years or by a fine of not less than $1,000.00 nor more than $5,000.00, or both.

Ga. L. 1974, p. 1221, §§ 1-3; Ga. L. 1985, p. 411, § 1.