The Very Rev. Aidan Smith was arrested on Feb. 27 and charged with one count of receiving stolen property and one count of retail theft (taking merchandise), according to court records obtained by USA TODAY.
Smith, 42, was arrested after leaving a Walmart location in Economy Borough, just outside of Pittsburgh, the Associated Press and CBS News reported, citing court records and Borough police. Police found 27 packs of baseball cards hidden under Smith’s clothing and in a cardboard box, per the court documents.
Borough police officers were called to the Walmart after its security reported that Smith had returned to the store after days of stealing from it, AP reported, citing court records.
Surveillance cameras first caught Smith on Feb. 23 shoplifting $244 worth of cards, then on Feb. 24, he was seen again on video taking cards worth $261, according to a police report obtained by CBS News. On Feb. 25, he allegedly took cards worth $121, and on Feb. 26, police arrested him with 27 packs worth $245, the report continued.
In total, police told the AP that the stolen cards are valued at $1,099.00.
Smith was given a $50,000 bond, according to court documents reviewed by USA TODAY. As of March 12, he does not appear in state inmate records.
USA TODAY contacted Borough police, the Beaver County District Attorney's Office and Smith's defense attorney on March 12 but has not received a response.
'Please pray for Aidan,' bishop says
In a message posted March 8, the Right Rev. Ketlen Solak, the church's bishop, said that Smith had been on administrative leave since January, but did not provide an explanation of his absence.
Solak continued, saying that Smith’s arrest would be investigated by diocese officials and follow church canons that handle clergy misconduct.
"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," Solak said.
As of March 12, Smith is still listed on the church's website as its dean.