8-4-9. CONTEMPT AND FORFEITURE BY SHERIFF OR JAILER FOR FAILING TO RETURN WRIT AND PRODUCE APPLICANT.

If any officer, sheriff, jailer, keeper, or other person to whom any writ of habeas corpus is directed shall neglect or refuse to make the return, or to bring the body of the applicant according to the command of such writ, he shall be punished for contempt and shall also forfeit to the prisoner or person aggrieved the sum not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00). Recovery of the penalties provided herein shall be no bar to a civil suit for damages.