A 57-year-old Pleasantville, New Jersey, man, Garfield Bennett, was charged with burglary and theft after two instruments belonging to members of Heart were stolen from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Both instruments were later reported recovered. The reporting establishes charges, not a conviction or final court outcome.
What happened to Heart’s instruments?
The instruments were taken around 2 a.m. on May 30, 2025, from Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, where Heart’s equipment had been set up ahead of a scheduled performance, according to NBC10 Philadelphia.
On June 5, the Associated Press reported that Atlantic City police had identified Bennett as a suspect using surveillance video and charged him with burglary and theft. Police said the video showed him trying to sell the instruments; at that point, one had been sold and the other remained unaccounted for, according to the Associated Press account.
Which instruments were stolen?
| Instrument | Associated musician | Identifying details | Reported recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baritone Telecaster guitar | Nancy Wilson | Custom-built, purple sparkle finish, with a hand-painted headstock | Reported recovered June 10, 2025, according to NBC10 Philadelphia |
| Mandolin | Paul Moak | Vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50; the Associated Press reported Moak had played it for more than 25 years | Reported found June 16, 2025, according to NBC10 Philadelphia |
Wilson’s guitar was a bespoke instrument, not simply a standard Telecaster. The Associated Press described the two instruments and their significance in its June 5 report.
#1 Best Overall
- One Squier Debut Series Stratocaster electric guitar, Frontman 10G amp, a padded gig bag, a strap, a cable, picks, a guitar stand, and an extra set of strings
- Designed by the most trusted name in guitar and backed by a 75-year legacy of quality and craftsmanship
- This beginner guitar kit is perfect for all ages, and it comes with a free 30-day subscription to Fender Play which includes free lessons to build your skills by playing the songs you love
- Designed for beginners, the Squier Debut Series features the iconic Fender Stratocaster in three signature colors--Black, Dakota Red and 2-Tone Sunburst; this guitar includes a super-comfortable "c" shaped neck, laurel fingerboard and thin, lightweight body for more comfort and playability.
- The Squier Debut Series Strat features three single-coil pickups with 5-way switching that offers a wide range of classic Strat tones
How were the instruments recovered?
Nancy Wilson’s Telecaster
NBC10 reported that investigators followed Bennett and saw him transfer the guitar to a woman, who put it in a vehicle. Officers identified and located the vehicle, and the woman surrendered the guitar.
Paul Moak’s mandolin
In a later update, NBC10 reported that investigators identified the person who possessed the mandolin, and that person surrendered it. The station reported the instrument found on June 16, 2025.
Rank #2
- [COMPLETE BEGINNER’S PACKAGE] Open the box, and you’re ready to play. This beginner kits includes the DST-80 electric guitar, custom 5W amplifier, durable gig bag, capo, strap, extra strings, digital tuner, amp cable, picks, and access to free online lessons from Donner to help you grow and shine.
- [CUSTOM AMP FOR ANY GROOVE] The custom 5W amp offers Classic and Overdrive settings, plus a 1/8" auxiliary input to connect with media players or CDs for jamming along. It’s your ultimate sidekick for practice, parties, or performances.
- [CLASSIC TONES, ENDLESS ZONES] With its classic SSS pickup configuration and 5-way switch, this electric guitar delivers bright, dynamic tones—ideal for country, blues, and funk, and perfect for exploring timeless sounds. Tone and volume controls add versatility to match any style, helping you unlock your inner guitar legend.
- [BUILT FOR COMFORT] This beginner electric guitar features an ultra-slim, comfortable C-shaped neck and satin matte finish, plus an easy-to-use circuit system, premium pickguard, and vintage tremolo bridge for a smooth, natural feel.
- [PERFECT FOR ALL, UNIQUE FOR YOU] Whether for kids or adult, beginner or seasoned, this all-inclusive set is the ideal way to kickstart your rock journey. Crafted from premium Manchurian Ash with an open matte finish, each guitar is uniquely beautiful and makes an unforgettable present for any occasion, from Christmas to birthdays.
What did Nancy Wilson say?
After the theft, Wilson said: “These instruments are more than just tools of our trade — they’re extensions of our musical souls.” She added: “We’re heartbroken, and we’re asking for their safe return— no questions asked. Their value to us is immeasurable.” The Associated Press reported that the band offered a reward for information leading to the instruments’ return.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Was the man convicted?
The available reporting says Bennett was charged with burglary and theft. It does not establish a plea, conviction, sentence, dismissal or other final court disposition. A charge is an allegation, not a finding of guilt; no final outcome should be inferred from the arrest and recovery reports.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- High Quality Material: Electric guitar beginner kits comes with Rosewood fingerboard, Canadian Maple neck with “C”shaped profile, Solid basswood body, environmental pickguard, and the frets are polished by hand, which are very round and greatly reduce the damage to your finger.
- S-S-H pickups: Beginner electric guitar set has two classic Single-coil pickups and One Humbucker pickup has strong stability and increased the thickness of the sound. S-S-H pickups is suitable for a Texas blues/rock sound.
- Electric Guitar Kit : The SAYHA 6-String electric guitar has a pickup selector, two tone controls, a volume control, and a whammy bar. The removable whammy bar produces tremolo effects, and the tremolo bridge system allows you to bend the pitch as you play.
- Rechargeable MINI Amplifier: Electric guitar with amp has two tone channels (Clean/Distortion). You can get different tones by adjusting GAIN and TONE, which is more suitable for playing different styles of music. The MINI Amplifier is not restricted by the venue, easy to carry and play anywhere.
- The SAYHA ultimate starter package has full-size guitar & all the parts & equipment that they need to rock straight out the box. A perfect choice for novice & intermediate players. In addition, electric guitar for beginner adults teens has an ergonomic ST design and a striking high-gloss finish, which makes you fondle admiringly.
Rank #4
- [H-S-S pickups] Donner electric guitar has two classic Single-coil pickups and one power 203S Humbucker pickup. 5 ways pickup switches and 2-tone & Volume controls for choosing. Suitable for both beginners and professionals.H-S-S pickups are not just perfect for a Texas blues/rock sound, but for other musical styles too
- [Canadian maple neck with “C”shaped profile] Donner DST-100 beginner electric guitar bundle uses purpleheart wood fingerboard, poplar solid body, Canadian maple neck with “C” shaped profile, classic design, comfortable fit
- [22 copper-nickel frets] The 39-inch electric guitar features a pick up selector switch, a volume knob, and two different tone knobs. 22 copper-nickel frets with fret position marks on the neck and top of the fingerboard, and also is smooth and friendly to your hands
- [Complete beginner package] Donner electric guitar set comes with a portable amplifier, 600D quality bag, capo, strap, extra string, digital tuner, amp cable, and picks. Also with online lessons, you can play guitar immediately when you receive them
- [Portable guitar MINI amplifier] The amp comes with an amp cord and has two-tone channels. Easy Control & Little Size & Tube Sound.1/8" auxiliary input jack for jam-along with media player or CD, 1/8" headphone output jack for silent practice
Rank #3
- One Squier Debut Series Stratocaster electric guitar – a perfect beginner guitar
- Designed for beginners, the Squier Debut Series Fender Stratocaster includes a super comfortable "c"-shaped neck, laurel fingerboard and thin, lightweight body for more comfort and playability.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
