Head Priest of Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh Accused of Walmart Baseball Card Theft

The Very Rev. Aidan Smith was arrested with over $1,000 worth of stolen cards, according to police.

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 store in the nearby suburb of Economy Borough. Police say security footage shows Smith taking cards on multiple occasions over several days.

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 drawn attention to issues of trust and accountability within religious institutions.

The details

According to court records, Rev. Smith was arrested on February 27 by police just after leaving the Walmart with 27 packs of baseball cards concealed under his clothing and in a cardboard box. Walmart security had called the police after spotting Smith in the store again, following previous incidents of him allegedly stealing baseball cards on four prior occasions. In total, Walmart valued the stolen cards at $1,099.99.

  • Rev. Smith was arrested on February 27, 2026.
  • Walmart security video shows Rev. Smith taking baseball cards on four previous days before his arrest.

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 said the diocese will investigate the situation and follow the church canons for handling clergy misconduct.

Walmart

The retailer where the alleged thefts took place, and whose security footage was used as evidence.

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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 Trinity Episcopal Cathedral congregation)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This incident has raised concerns about trust and accountability within religious institutions, and highlights the need for robust processes to address allegations of misconduct by clergy members. It also underscores the importance of religious leaders upholding high ethical standards and serving as role models for their congregations.