Upon failure to deliver any books, papers, or other office property after demand has been made by the incoming officer, the retiring judicial or ministerial officer shall be liable for three times the initial cost of such books, papers, or other office property, to be retained out of his salary, if a salaried officer, or if not a salaried officer and the said amount has not been retained, he shall be subject to action and recovery by his successor in the name of the state.
OCGA § 45-6-13