Heart Instrument Theft: Arrest & Charges
- A pleasantville, N.J., man faces burglary and theft charges after instruments belonging to the band Heart were stolen from the hard Rock Casino & Hotel in Atlantic City.
- The Atlantic City Police Department used surveillance footage to identify Bennett, who allegedly attempted to sell the stolen items shortly after they were taken on May 31, the...
- Authorities believe Bennett sold one of the instruments. Public Safety Director Sean Riggin urged the buyer to return it without penalty.
Garfield Bennett, 57, of Pleasantville, NJ, is in custody, charged with burglary and theft after stealing instruments from the band Heart at Atlantic City‘s Hard Rock Casino & Hotel.The Atlantic city Police Department quickly identified Bennett via surveillance footage, after the instruments were taken on May 31 – just before Heart’s Royal Flush tour. Authorities are seeking the return of a custom purple sparkle baritone Telecaster and a vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin. Public Safety Director Sean Riggin urges the buyer of any stolen instruments to return them without penalty. News Directory 3 is following this case closely. Discover what’s next as the inquiry continues and the band hopes to recover their irreplaceable instruments.
NJ Man Charged After Heart’s Instruments Stolen from Hard Rock Casino
Updated June 6, 2025
A pleasantville, N.J., man faces burglary and theft charges after instruments belonging to the band Heart were stolen from the hard Rock Casino & Hotel in Atlantic City. Garfield Bennett, 57, was taken into custody and is currently held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
The Atlantic City Police Department used surveillance footage to identify Bennett, who allegedly attempted to sell the stolen items shortly after they were taken on May 31, the eve of Heart’s Royal Flush tour. The instruments, described as “irreplaceable,” were taken after being unloaded at the Hard Rock venue.
Authorities believe Bennett sold one of the instruments. Public Safety Director Sean Riggin urged the buyer to return it without penalty. “If you’ve got the guitars,bring them back. Turn them in.No questions asked,” Riggin said. He warned that possessing stolen property would lead to criminal charges if the instrument is recovered through investigation.
Heart’s Nancy Wilson posted on social media, pleading for the return of a custom purple sparkle baritone Telecaster and a vintage 1966 gibson EM-50 mandolin used by band member Paul Moak for nearly 30 years. The theft impacts Heart’s tour and their ability to perform their music.
“These instruments are more than just tools of our trade — they’re extensions of our musical souls,” Wilson said.”Their value to us is immeasurable.”
Wilson also expressed gratitude to the Atlantic City Police Department and the Hard Rock institution for their support in the search. Heart is continuing their tour,including a scheduled concert in Vienna,Va.
What’s next
Police continue to investigate the theft and seek the recovery of the remaining stolen instrument. Anyone with data is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department.