Tenn. Code Ann. § 48-1-123: Criminal prosecution.

(a) Any person who willfully violates any provision of this part or who willfully violates any rule or order under this part commits a Class D felony. No person may be imprisoned for the violation of any rule or order if the person proves that the person had no actual knowledge of the rule or order.

(b) The commissioner may refer such evidence as is available concerning violations of this part or of any rule or order hereunder to the attorney general and reporter, or the district attorney general in the county where the violation was committed, either of whom may, with or without such a reference, institute the appropriate criminal proceedings under this part.

(c) Nothing in this part limits the power of this state to punish any person for any conduct which constitutes a crime by statute or at common law.