Pittsburgh Episcopal Priest Resigns As Theft Scandal Mounts

PITTSBURGH, PA — A Pittsburgh Episcopal head priest already accused of stealing baseball cards from a Walmart also is being investigated for selling church artifacts online.

The Rev. Aidan Smith, dean of Trinity Episcopal Church in Downtown Pittsburgh, has resigned that position amid the growing accusations. The move was announced over the weekend by the Episcopal Bishop of Pittsburgh Ketlen Solak.

Solak then provided additional information on Smith, 42, of Ambridge, who had been on administrative leave since January.

"Given news reports about his arrest, I believe it is now pastorally appropriate to make you aware that for a number of weeks, we have been looking into whether Aidan improperly sold artifacts belonging to the cathedral through online platforms," she stated in a message to the church community.

According to a diocesan release, police in Economy Borough, Beaver County, Smith was charged last month with retail theft after surveillance cameras captured him stealing packs of cards valued at $244 on February 23, $261 on February 24, $121 on February 25, and $245 on February 26.

Officers apprehended him in the parking lot with the merchandise concealed under his clothing.

Walmart seeks $873 in restitution after recovering some items.

What happens next?

"You will likely read more about this in the media in the coming days," Solek advised.