Every person who wilfully makes or publishes any false statement, spreads any false rumor, or employs any other false or fraudulent means or device, with intent to affect the market price of any kind of property, is guilty of a class B misdemeanor, and subject to penalty as provided in section 1-4-1 of this code. (1991 Code § 5.20.020, as amended; amd. 2009 Code)