Tenant Abandoned Personal Property - Brooklyn

In the beginning of 2010, I moved temporarily into an apartment in Brooklyn. I was never a lease holder.

A previous tenant had left behind film equipment (which I assume is expensive). Her last name - "AB" is on it. She abandoned the property about 2 -3 years prior to my occupying the apartment.

"AB" was not the lease holder - she was a short-term roommate of "K" who was the lease holder.

Shortly after moving in, I walked into "K" who said that she wasn't sure where "AB" was, but that she would try to contact her. "K" and I are not friends, but she is friendly with a close friend of mine - "L". "K" said she would let "L" know. She never did and "L" doesn't want to get involved.

Big mistake was that I got involved on a level I never should have but what's done is done......

When I vacated the apartment, the landlord was going to put it out in the trash. I thought I'd take it and try to find the rightful owner.

A google search of the film maker brought me to her website. I emailed her on 10/24 and never heard from her. There's no residence on her website so I can't send her notice through regular mail and I'm not comfortable calling her at the mobile number on the website.

If this equipment is broken, can I just throw it out? If it's not broken, can I sell it or donate it to my alma mater's film department?

What should I do? Legally, what do I need to do?

Thanks very much.

[AFFA]

I wish to inform you that you have film equipment with you which was lying abandoned in your previous premises. You have tried to contact the rightful owner through her Website. Further, you may retain the abandoned film equipment; you may keep the property for some time and if owner is not able to be located or contacted then you may sell the property and recover your storage cost. Further, when the owner is located then you may give him the excess amount.

AFF

Affa is right but hey consult a lawyer dude.
Forums are for basic general ideas etc., and guidance.
Forums dont replace actual lawyers.