Head Priest Caught On Camera Stealing $1,000 Worth Of Items From Walmart, Police Say

A caput leader and dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral successful Pittsburgh was arrested aft allegedly stealing much than $1,000 successful shot cards from Walmart.

The Very Rev. Aidan Smith was taken into custody Feb. 27 conscionable aft leaving Walmart successful Economy Borough, conscionable extracurricular Pittsburgh.

He had 27 packs of shot cards concealed nether his clothing and successful a cardboard box, according to tribunal records.

Smith, 42, was charged pinch receiving stolen spot and unit theft.

Police responded to a telephone from Walmart security, who said Smith was successful nan shop again aft having stolen from it successful erstwhile days.

Police said Walmart information video shows Smith besides taking shot cards each of nan 4 erstwhile days and leaving without paying.

Walmart weighted nan stolen shot cards astatine $1,099.99, constabulary said.

In a connection to nan cathedral's members, nan Right Rev. Ketlen Solak, bishop of nan Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, said diocese officials will analyse nan business and travel nan religion canons that laic retired nan process for handling clergy misconduct.

“I person spoken pinch Aidan and assured him of our prayers for him successful this difficult time,” Solak wrote.

“Please believe for Aidan, for Melanie and their children, for nan full cathedral congregation arsenic we grieve this news, and for everyone progressive successful this difficult situation.”

Smith had been connected administrative time off since precocious January, Solak's connection said.

The diocese did not explicate why. Smith's defense lawyer declined comment.