A head priest and dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Pittsburgh was apprehended for allegedly stealing over $1,000 in baseball cards from Walmart.
The Very Rev. Aidan Smith was arrested on Feb. 27 shortly after leaving Walmart in Economy Borough, just outside Pittsburgh.
According to court records, he secreted 27 packs of baseball cards under his clothing and in a cardboard box.
Smith, 42, was charged with receiving stolen property and retail theft.
Police responded to a call from Walmart security, who reported that Smith had returned to the store after previously stealing from it.
According to police, Walmart security video shows Smith taking baseball cards on the prior four days and leaving without paying.
Walmart valued the stolen baseball cards at $1,099.99, according to authorities.
In a message to the cathedral’s members, the Right Rev. Ketlen Solak, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, stated that diocese officials will investigate the incident and adhere to church canons outlining the process for managing clergy misconduct.
“I have spoken with Aidan and assured him of our prayers for him in this difficult time,” Solak wrote.
“Please pray for Aidan, for Melanie and their children, for the entire cathedral congregation as we grieve this news, and for everyone involved in this hard situation.”
Solak’s reply stated that Smith had been on administrative leave since late January.