A 57-year-old man from New Jersey has been apprehended and formally charged with the theft of two valuable musical instruments during a live performance by the iconic rock band Heart at the Hard Rock Atlantic City on May 31. This incident unfolded in a vibrant atmosphere, where fans gathered to enjoy the concert, only to have the night marred by the loss of these cherished instruments.

The authorities responded promptly to the scene last weekend, where they discovered that a custom purple Telecaster guitar, belonging to Nancy Wilson, and a vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin, owned by Heart’s talented guitarist Paul Moak, had been allegedly stolen from the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena. On June 3, Wilson took to her social media platforms to raise awareness about the stolen instruments, offering a generous reward for their safe return.

Utilizing security footage from the concert venue, police were able to identify a suspect named Garfield Bennett, a resident of Pleasantville, New Jersey. The footage revealed Bennett attempting to sell the stolen instruments in Atlantic City. Following a thorough investigation, he was apprehended by law enforcement on Wednesday and faces serious charges of burglary and theft.

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In a heartfelt statement, Wilson expressed her deep emotional connection to the stolen instruments, saying, “These instruments are more than just tools of our trade — they’re extensions of our musical souls. 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. Their value to us is immeasurable.” This sentiment highlights not only the financial worth but also the profound sentimental value of these instruments.

According to police reports, one of the stolen instruments was successfully sold, but its current location remains unknown. Authorities are actively seeking assistance from the public, urging anyone with information to contact the Atlantic City Police Department at 609-347-5766 or to submit an anonymous tip via text to tip411 (847411). The cooperation of the community could be crucial in recovering these beloved instruments.