Head Priest Charged with Stealing $1K in Baseball Cards from Walmart

The Very Rev. Aidan Smith of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Pittsburgh was arrested for allegedly shoplifting cards over multiple days.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The head priest and dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh, the Very Rev. Aidan Smith, has been charged with receiving stolen property and retail theft after being accused of stealing more than $1,000 worth of baseball cards from a Walmart near the city. Police say Walmart security video shows Smith taking the cards on multiple occasions over several days before his arrest on February 27.

Why it matters

The arrest of a prominent religious leader on theft charges has raised concerns within the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, which has launched an investigation into the matter and the process for handling clergy misconduct. The incident has also sparked discussions around the ethical standards expected of community leaders.

The details

According to court records, Smith was arrested after leaving the Walmart in Economy Borough, just outside Pittsburgh, with 27 packs of baseball cards concealed under his clothing and in a cardboard box. Walmart security had called the police, stating that Smith had been in the store on previous days and taken baseball cards without paying. Walmart valued the stolen cards at $1,099.99.

  • Smith was arrested on February 27, 2026.
  • Walmart security video shows Smith taking baseball cards on multiple occasions over the previous four days.

The players

The Very Rev. Aidan Smith

The head priest and dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh, who has been charged with receiving stolen property and retail theft.

The Right Rev. Ketlen Solak

The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, who has stated that the diocese will investigate the situation and follow the church canons for handling clergy misconduct.

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

The church in downtown Pittsburgh where the Very Rev. Aidan Smith served as the head priest and dean.

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What they’re saying

“I have spoken with Aidan and assured him of our prayers for him in this difficult time. 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.”

— The Right Rev. Ketlen Solak, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh (Message to cathedral members)

What’s next

The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh has stated that it will investigate the situation and follow the church canons for handling clergy misconduct. The judge in the case will also decide on whether to allow the Very Rev. Aidan Smith to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident has raised questions about the ethical standards expected of community leaders, particularly those in positions of religious authority. The investigation by the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh will be closely watched as it navigates the process for addressing clergy misconduct and the implications for the church's reputation and relationship with its congregation.