Publication against defendant

§ 16–3735. Publication against defendantWhen the officer’s return of a writ of replevin issued pursuant to this subchapter is that he has taken possession of the goods and chattels sued for, but that the defendant is not to be found, the court, subject to section 13–340 as to mailing notice, may order that the defendant appear to the action by a fixed day, and cause notice of the order to be given by publication in a newspaper published in the District at least three times, the first publication to be at least twenty days before the day fixed for defendant’s appearance.