Try to find him first. Google his name. You may be surprised. Send a letter to your state prison system and find out if/when/where he was released. He didn't serve this long for DUI unless someone died and he was convicted of manslaughter.

If all else fails, post an ad in the newspaper of his last known address. Say you are trying to locate him to return property that you are holding, and that failing contact within 30 days you will put the item up for sale. This should cover any legal issues. I AM NOT A LAWYER, but this works for a lot of other legal matters so I would think it would work here.

you had it that long?? weird. I doubt he can pay for it and had no idea it would take so many years to complete.
you can find him. just try. it's not that hard.

Try and find him and/or his family.

Another vote for finding him. Since it isn't his fault the quilt was not quilted when you WERE in contact with him it is your responsibility to try to find him.

Document your search. In the event you can't find him or his family and sell it you will need the documentation to prove you tried before selling it.

Agree with everyone.....Find him or the family. If necessary chalk the costs up to charity. It was his Mother's quilt.
I am not sure but I think you have to be family to write to prisoners. and maybe he did not have your info.

I'm also voting for trying to find him. Maybe having something that belonged to his mother would help him.. He very well coud be deceased.

If you are still in the same location, he could have found you had it been that important to him. After 16 years, he probably doesn't remember asking you to do that. You don't go to prison for 16 years for DUI unless you have other charges against you. Keep it or sell it. He still owes you for your service.

How much do you have invested? If you only did the quilting then it surely isnt a ton of $. If you cant find him, just put it away and maybe someday you will make contact. Youve been without the $ for many years and its doubtful that its made a major financial impact on you but sure would be nice to get it back. Its the sentimental value thats the focus. Someone in his family would love to have it. Keep being a detective!

You may have to be family to write to prisoners, I don't know, but you don't have to be family to look them up on line in prison. I've done it. Found the last known mailing address as well.

OK.. I read and reread.. on the back side of 15 years.. Go away from the light ! Leave it alone.. Stay away from the phone and door..

breath..