A priest in the United States has been charged after police accused him of stealing more than $1,000 worth of baseball cards from a Walmart over the course of several days.
According to reports, the Very Rev. Aidan Smith, head priest and dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Pittsburgh, was arrested on February 27 following an investigation into repeated thefts at a store in Economy Borough, located just outside the city.
Police Say Theft Happened Over Multiple Days
Authorities said store security first became suspicious after noticing repeated incidents involving missing baseball card packs.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Smith taking cards on several different days. Police said he allegedly stole about $244 worth of cards on February 23, followed by $261 the next day, and another $121 on February 25.
When officers responded to a call from Walmart security on February 26, they found Smith leaving the store with 27 packs of baseball cards hidden under his clothing and inside a cardboard box.
In total, police said the stolen items were valued at about $1,099.
Facing Criminal Charges
Smith, 42, was charged with one count of receiving stolen property and one count of retail theft, according to court records.
Officials said he was taken into custody after the final incident, and court documents showed he was given a bond set at $50,000.
Authorities also confirmed that the alleged thefts happened within the span of about a week.
Church Responds to Arrest
Following the arrest, the Right Rev. Ketlen Solak of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh released a message to church members about the situation.
She said Smith had already been on administrative leave since January and that church officials would review the matter according to church rules dealing with clergy misconduct.
“I have spoken with Aidan and assured him of our prayers for him in this difficult time,” she wrote, asking the congregation to pray for Smith, his family, and the community affected by the news.
As of the latest reports, Smith was still listed on the cathedral’s website as its dean.
The case has drawn attention online due to the unusual nature of the allegations, with many surprised to see a church leader accused of repeatedly stealing sports cards from the same store.
