Heart Called the Stolen Instruments ‘Extensions of Our Musical Souls’ — Now a Suspect Is Arrested

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft of Heart’s instruments from an Atlantic City casino.

A guitar and a mandolin belonging to Heart, the rock band comprised of sisters Nancy and Ann Wilson, were stolen from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on May 30, the Atlantic City Police Department said.

The band was set to launch its An Evening with Heart tour at the hotel when it was discovered that the instruments were missing.

According to a press release, Heart discovered that “two irreplaceable instruments were stolen from the venue, where gear had been set up the day prior to the show.”

The Atlantic City Police Department began investigating, and on June 5 announced that they had identified a suspect.

Garfield Bennett, 57, of Pleasantville, N.J., was seen on surveillance video trying to sell the stolen instruments in various parts of the city, Atlantic City police alleged.

Bennett is charged with burglary and theft, police said. It is not immediately clear if he has retained an attorney or entered a plea.

Prior to the arrest, the band was offering a reward for the return of the instruments, Billboard reported.

“These instruments are more than just tools of our trade — they’re extensions of our musical souls,” Nancy Wilson said in a statement to the magazine. “The baritone Tele was made uniquely for me … We’re heartbroken, and we’re asking for their safe return—no questions asked. Their value to us is immeasurable.”