The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh has formally suspended the Very Rev. Aidan Smith, Dean of Trinity Cathedral, following his arrest for stealing over $1,000 in baseball cards from a Walmart store. This development escalates from his administrative leave in late January and arrest on February 27.

Police in Economy Borough charged Dean Smith with retail theft and receiving stolen property after surveillance 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. Smith posted $50,000 bail following an overnight detention, with his preliminary hearing now set for March 12.

The Rt. Rev. Ketlen Solak announced the suspension in a March 5 letter to Trinity Cathedral parishioners, confirming Smith’s disclosure of the arrest and pledging a Title IV investigation into clergy misconduct. She has spoken with Smith and his family, offering prayers amid the “hard situation,” and plans a March 14 meeting with psychologist Melissa Perin to address congregational concerns. Solak emphasized limited details on the circumstances or resolution.

Ordained after graduating from Trinity Anglican Seminary in 2014, Smith served as dean of advancement there before becoming provost at Trinity Cathedral in May 2019. He was elected dean in June 2020 by the Cathedral Chapter, ending a 17-year vacancy under then-Bishop Dorsey McConnell.