If the property stolen or embezzled is not claimed by the owner before the expiration of one year from the conviction of the person for stealing or embezzling it, and after publication, the officer having it in custody shall, if it is money, pay it to the clerk of the district court, or if it is property, sell it as upon execution, and after paying the expenses of the sale and preservation of the property to be ascertained and certified by the clerk of the district court pay the proceeds to the clerk of the district court, to be deposited by him as in case of moneys collected upon judgments in favor of the government of the Virgin Islands.