§ 11-9. Release of stolen property.

(a) In general.

A pawnbroker shall release to the Police Department any item in the pawnbroker's possession if:

(1) the item is established to be stolen;

(2) the owner of the item or the victim of the theft has:

(i) positively identified the item; and

(ii) provided an affidavit of ownership or previously made a report of the theft to a law enforcement agency;

(3) the stolen property report describes the item by:

(i) date;

(ii) initials;

(iii) an insurance record;

(iv) a photograph;

(v) a sales receipt;

(vi) a serial number;

(vii) specific damage;

(viii) a statement of facts that show the item is one of a kind; or

(ix) a unique engraving; and

(4) the pawnbroker is given a receipt for the item released.

(b) Return to owner.

When the primary law enforcement agency no longer needs a transacted item for evidence it may be released to the owner after adjudication.

A pawnbroker who is required to release an item under this section is not entitled to reimbursement for any pledge or purchase price from:

(1) the primary law enforcement agency;

(2) the owner of the item; or

(3) the victim of the theft.