can i get re-embursed for property that was confiscated from me? No charges were filed on me for this property

On 1/12/12 I was taking around 1,000 lbs of scrap brass to commercial metals recycling to get paid. For some reason the recycling company called the police assuming it was stolen. When the police came they took me to jail because I had a warrant. They also took the brass but I wasn't charged with stolen brass; neither is it stolen so I get out of jail and called trying to get my property back they said they have to hold it. So now 2-3 years later I call again and they left a msg on my phone saying "oh it's gone it's long gone now"