If, within 30 days, the money or property recovered under R.C. § 737.29 is claimed by any other person, it shall be retained by the custodian thereof until after the discharge or conviction of the person from whom it was taken and so long as it is required as evidence in any case in court. If such claimant establishes to the satisfaction of the court that he is the rightful owner, the money or property shall be restored to him, otherwise, it shall be returned to the accused person, personally, and not to any attorney, agent, factor, or clerk of such accused person, except upon special order of the Mayor after all liens and claims in favor of the municipality have first been discharged and satisfied.
(R.C. § 737.31) (‘74 Code, § 33.19)