The Secretary or any employee of the Department may not: be interested in any contract or bid for furnishing any supplies to any unit that procures supplies under Division II of this article; be connected in any manner, directly or indirectly, with any contract or bid for furnishing any supplies to any of those units; or accept or receive, directly or indirectly, whether by rebate, gift, or otherwise, from a person to whom a contract may be awarded: any money or thing of value; or any promise, obligation, or contract for future reward or compensation. If the Secretary or any employee of the Department violates any provision of this section, the Secretary or employee is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not less than $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both.