If the person upon whom the writ shall have been duly served refuses or neglects to produce the person named in the writ, or to make a full and explicit return to the writ, as required, and no sufficient cause is shown for such refusal or neglect, the court or judge before whom the writ has been made returnable, upon due proof of the service of the writ, shall forthwith initiate contempt proceedings against such person by issuing an order of arrest against him directed to the sheriff of any county commanding him forthwith to apprehend such person and bring him before such court or judge. Such person shall be committed to the county jail until he shall make return and comply with any order that may be made by the court or judge relative to the party confined or restrained.
If the order of arrest is against the sheriff, it may be directed to any other person to be designated therein who shall have full power to execute the same, and the sheriff, when brought before the court or judge, may be committed to the jail of any county other than his own.
N.J.S. § 2A:67-24