If any defendant in any suit prosecuted at the instance of the State Controller, under the provisions of this chapter, shall, at the trial, give any evidence which existed prior to the time and within the knowledge of the defendant at the time of such adjustment and settlement of the defendant’s accounts, and which was not produced to the State Controller at the time of settlement, such defendant shall be subject to the costs and charges of the suit, whether the ultimate decision be against or in favor of the defendant.
[12:43:1866; B § 2819; BH § 1818; C § 1966; RL § 4165; NCL § 7357]