935

All property delivered into the custody and held and kept by the district attorney of the county of New York, for use as evidence or otherwise, in any criminal investigation, action, appeal, or other proceeding, shall be returned by him to its rightful owner upon proper demand therefor upon the termination of such criminal investigation, action, appeal or other proceeding; and if such property be not claimed by the owner within one year after the termination of such criminal action, appeal, or other proceeding, it may be sold or otherwise disposed of in such manner as such district attorney may deem proper, and if the property is sold the proceeds of such sale shall be paid into the fund of the New York city employees' retirement system.