Pleasantville Man Charged with Stealing Heart's Priceless Instruments Ahead of Tour
ICARO Media Group
**New Jersey Man Charged for Stealing Priceless Instruments from Heart**
A New Jersey man from Pleasantville has been charged with burglary and theft after making off with invaluable instruments belonging to the iconic rock band Heart. Authorities identified 57-year-old Garfield Bennett from surveillance footage attempting to sell stolen items just before the band's Royal Flush summer tour was set to begin on May 31.
The instruments were reportedly taken shortly after being loaded into the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel in Atlantic City. Following an investigation, Bennett was apprehended and is currently being held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone who may have unknowingly purchased the stolen items to return them without facing charges. "If you've got the guitars, bring them back. Turn them in. No questions asked," implored Atlantic City Director of Public Safety, Sean Riggin. "If we continue looking and we have to find them, there are absolutely going to be serious criminal charges."
Among the stolen items is a custom-designed purple sparkle baritone Telecaster with a hand-painted headstock, created specifically for Heart's Nancy Wilson. Additionally, a vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin that band member Paul Moak has cherished for almost 30 years was also taken. Nancy Wilson expressed her sheer disappointment over the theft on Instagram, noting the personal and irreplaceable value of the instruments.
"These instruments are more than just tools of our trade - they're extensions of our musical souls," Wilson stated. "The baritone Tele was made uniquely for me, and Paul's mandolin has been with him for decades. We're heartbroken, and we're asking for their safe return-no questions asked."
In her heartfelt statement, Wilson also expressed gratitude towards the Atlantic City Police Department, the Hard Rock organization, and the community for their overwhelming support in the search for their beloved instruments. "The outpouring of love and concern has been overwhelming, and we are truly touched by the strength and compassion of this community," she said.