When a stock shows a pattern of marking on small lots near the bell to artificially boost the share price, it it deemed an illegal trade. It is the rule and it is up to the regulatory authorities to go after the guilty party or parties. The trading pattern the day the stock was marked up 7 cents at the bell after repeatedly trading at a low price on decent volume was a flat out infraction. I have consulted two people close to me in the industry and they are also going to follow up with regulatory as well. It is illegal and also makes the company stock look terrible to the investment community.
I am sure no one here should be concerned as they would not be guilty of dressing up the stock. Chances are that nothing happens to the culprit or the firm representing the order. I am keeping a log of the daily closes and the number of shares and will report to the SEC on a weekly basis.