A senior Episcopal priest from Pennsylvania has been taken into custody following allegations that he stole more than $1,000 worth of baseball cards from a Walmart store over several consecutive days. The Very Reverend Aidan Smith, aged 42, was arrested on February 27 after exiting a Walmart location in Economy Borough, near Pittsburgh, as detailed in court records reported by the New York Post.
Details of the Alleged Theft
Smith, who serves as the head priest and dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, is accused of concealing 27 packs of baseball cards under his clothing inside a cardboard box. Walmart officials estimated the total value of the stolen merchandise at $1,099.99. According to authorities, store employees contacted police after observing Smith in the Walmart for the fifth day in a row, where he was reportedly taking baseball cards and leaving without making any payment.
Church Response and Investigation
The Right Reverend Ketlen Solak, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, confirmed that diocesan officials will conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct. In a message sent to cathedral members last week, Solak stated that the church will adhere to its established canons for handling such incidents. "I have spoken with Aidan and assured him of our prayers for him in this difficult time," Solak wrote. "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."
Solak's communication also revealed that Smith had been placed on administrative leave from his church duties since late January, although no specific reason for his absence was provided at that time. Smith's defense attorney has declined to comment on the case, according to media reports.
Baseball Card Brands Involved
Walmart stores stock various popular baseball card collector brands, including Topps, Pulse, and Panini. These items have become increasingly valuable in recent years, attracting both serious collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.
Similar Recent Case Involving Clergy
This incident follows another recent high-profile case involving a member of the clergy. Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, aged 69, was arrested at San Diego International Airport on March 5 after being accused of embezzling up to a million dollars from the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, Shaleta faces multiple charges including eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering, and one enhancement of "aggravated white collar crime." Additionally, Shaleta was allegedly seen frequenting a gentleman's club in Tijuana described as a brothel where women and girls have reportedly been trafficked and forced to work.
Shaleta submitted his resignation to the Vatican in January but has strongly denied all allegations of financial misconduct. "I have never in my priestly life or episcopal life abused any of the Church money," he declared during a church service on February 22, as reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune. "On the contrary, I have done my best to preserve and manage the donations of the Church properly."
The arrest of Reverend Smith marks another challenging moment for religious institutions dealing with allegations against their leaders, highlighting the importance of accountability and proper investigative procedures within faith communities.
