(A) A pistol that is found and turned over to a law enforcement agency must be held for a period of ninety days. During that period, the agency shall make a diligent effort to determine:
(1) if the pistol is stolen;
(2) if it has been used in the commission of a crime;
(3) the true owner of the pistol.
(B) At least twice during the ninety-day holding period the agency shall advertise the pistol with its full description in a newspaper having general circulation in the county where the pistol was found.
(C) After the ninety days have elapsed from publication of the first advertisement, and upon request of the individual who found and turned over the pistol, the agency shall return the pistol to this person if the individual fully completes the application process as described in Section 23-31-140 and in federal law and pays all advertising and other costs incidental to returning the pistol. No pistol may be returned until the individual fully completes the application.
(D) Upon proper completion of the application, the law enforcement agency shall provide copies of the application in compliance with Section 23-31-140.