PITTSBURGH — The archpriest and dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh is facing charges after he was accused of stealing more than $1,000 in baseball cards from a Walmart store.
Police arrested Pastor Aidan Smith on February 27 after he left a Walmart in Economyboro, just outside Pittsburgh, with 27 packs of baseball cards hidden under his clothes and in a cardboard box, according to court records.
Smith, 42, was charged with receiving stolen property and retail theft.
Police responded to a call from Walmart security, who said Smith was at the store again after stealing from it in the previous days. Walmart security video shows Smith also taking baseball cards on each of the previous four days and leaving without paying, police said.
Walmart estimated the value of the stolen baseball cards at $1,099.99, police said.
In a letter last week to cathedral members, the Rev. Caitlin Sulak, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, said diocese officials would investigate the situation and follow church laws that outline the process for dealing with clerical misconduct.
“I spoke with Aidan and assured him of our prayers for him at this difficult time,” Sulak wrote. “Please pray for Aidan, for Melanie and their children, for the entire cathedral community as we grieve this news, and for everyone involved in this difficult situation.”
Sulak’s letter said Smith had been on administrative leave since late January. The diocese did not explain the reason. Smith’s defense attorney declined to comment.