(a) Whoever makes a false statement or representation knowing it to be false or knowingly fails to disclose a material fact, to obtain or increase any benefit for that person's own or for any other person, shall be fined not less than $23 nor more than $57.50 or imprisoned not more than 60 days, or both. Each false statement or representation or failure to disclose a material fact shall constitute a separate offense. In cases where any person has obtained money from the Department by reason of such false statement or representation, made knowingly, that person is guilty of obtaining money under false pretenses.
(b) Justices of the peace of this State shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine cases in which the accused shall be charged with violating this section or with obtaining money under false pretenses by reason of such violation, but the jurisdiction of a justice of the peace shall be limited to cases in which the accused is a resident of the hundred in which the justice of the peace has the justice's office or in a hundred immediately adjacent thereto. Nothing in this section herein contained shall affect the rights of the Department as set forth in §§ 3317-3325 and 3357-3365 of this title.