Head Priest of Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh Accused of Walmart Theft

The Very Rev. Aidan Smith faces charges for allegedly stealing over $1,000 in baseball cards from a local Walmart.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The head priest and dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh, the Very Rev. Aidan Smith, has been accused of stealing more than $1,000 worth of baseball cards from a Walmart store in the nearby suburb of Economy Borough. Smith was arrested on February 27th after Walmart security reported him leaving the store with concealed baseball card packs. Police say security footage shows Smith taking cards on multiple previous occasions as well.

Why it matters

The alleged theft by a prominent religious leader 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 the issue of shoplifting and retail theft, which can have significant financial impacts on businesses.

The details

According to court records, the Very Rev. Aidan Smith was arrested just after leaving the Walmart in Economy Borough, outside of Pittsburgh, with 27 packs of baseball cards concealed under his clothing and in a cardboard box. Walmart security had called the police, reporting that Smith had been in the store again after previously stealing baseball cards on four prior occasions. Walmart valued the total stolen merchandise at $1,099.99.

  • On February 27, 2026, Smith was arrested by police after leaving the Walmart store.
  • Smith had allegedly stolen baseball cards from the same Walmart on four previous occasions prior to his arrest.

The players

The Very Rev. Aidan Smith

The head priest and dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh, who has been accused of stealing over $1,000 worth of baseball cards from a local Walmart.

The Right Rev. Ketlen Solak

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

Walmart

The retail chain where the alleged thefts took place, with security footage showing the priest taking baseball cards on multiple occasions.

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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 members)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex issues that can arise when a prominent religious leader is accused of criminal behavior, raising questions about accountability, ethics, and the impact on the broader community.