A prominent priest in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is facing criminal charges after authorities say he stole more than $1,000 worth of baseball cards from a retail store.
Police said Aidan Smith, 42, who serves as the dean and head priest at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh, was arrested on Feb. 27 shortly after leaving a Walmart in Economy Borough, Pennsylvania.
According to court records, officers were called to the store by security staff who reported that Smith had returned to the location after allegedly stealing items there on previous days.
Allegations of repeated theft
Authorities said store surveillance footage showed Smith taking 27 packs of baseball cards and concealing them under his clothing and inside a cardboard box before leaving without paying. Police also allege the footage captured him removing similar items during four earlier visits to the store.
Investigators estimated the value of the stolen merchandise at $1,099.99.
Smith has been charged with retail theft and receiving stolen property, police said.
Church leadership responds
In a message to members of the cathedral congregation, Ketlen Solak, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, said church officials would review the matter and follow established procedures for addressing clergy misconduct.
Solak also asked members of the church community to keep Smith, his wife Melanie and their children in their prayers during the situation.
The bishop noted that Smith had already been placed on administrative leave in late January, though no explanation was provided at the time.
Smith’s attorney declined to comment on the charges.
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