Rock band Heart’s stolen instruments recovered in Jersey; suspect taken into custody.

In a significant development in the case of the theft of valuable musical instruments, police in Atlantic City have announced the arrest of a suspect. Garfield Bennett, a 57-year-old resident of Pleasantville, New Jersey, has been charged with burglary and theft following the incident involving instruments belonging to the renowned rock band Heart.

The reported theft occurred on Saturday, when two irreplaceable instruments—a custom-built guitar and a mandolin—were discovered missing from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The band had set up the instruments in anticipation of their upcoming performance as part of the “Evening With Heart” tour, which was set to launch at the South Jersey venue.

The stolen guitar, a purple sparkle baritone Telecaster with a hand-painted headstock, is owned by Nancy Wilson, a founding member of the band. The mandolin, a vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50, belongs to Paul Moak, a musician who has treasured the instrument for over 25 years. The band expressed the deep emotional significance of these instruments, stating that they represent more than mere tools for performance; they are extensions of their creative identities.

Evidence gathered from surveillance footage led law enforcement to Bennett, who allegedly attempted to sell the stolen items around Atlantic City. While one of the instruments was reportedly sold, the fate of the second item remains unresolved, with authorities still searching for its whereabouts.

Following the arrest, Nancy Wilson took to social media to express cautious optimism about the investigation’s progress. While thanking law enforcement for their quick action, she noted that the instruments had not yet been recovered, and she maintained hope for their return.

Heart, established in the 1970s by sisters Nancy and Ann Wilson, has left an indelible mark on rock music with iconic tracks such as “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You.” The charismatic duo and their bandmates earned a place in music history when Heart was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. The current events have spotlighted the artistry and sentimental value embedded in musical instruments, resonating with fans and music lovers alike.

Media News Source recognizes the impact of this theft not only on the band but also on the broader music community, as it raises questions about the security of artists’ tools of expression in the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. The unfolding investigation will be watched closely as authorities work to recover the remaining stolen property and bring justice to those affected by this incident.