A person may not knowingly make or cause to be made a false statement or report in a document required to be submitted to the Department relating to a grant or loan. A grant or loan applicant may not knowingly make or cause to be made any false statement or report to influence the action of the Department on a grant or loan application or a grant or loan already made. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $50,000 or both.