In all cases arising under the provisions of this chapter, the medical examiner shall take charge of any money and other personal property of the deceased found upon or near the body. Unless held as evidence, all money and other personal property shall be released with the body to the legal next of kin. If any personal property is retained, the medical examiner shall inventory the property on a form prescribed by the chief medical examiner. The inventory shall list the total of any cash received and a complete description of any other items, including quantity and any identifying information. The original inventory form shall be retained on file for a period of at least 5 years by the office of the chief medical examiner, together with the case file. A copy of the inventory form shall be forwarded to the next of kin of the decedent, if that person‘s identity is known, either directly or through the funeral home to which the decedent’s body is released.