Overview
- Police arrested the Very Rev. Aidan Smith on Feb. 27 outside a Walmart in Economy Borough, where they say he had 27 packs of baseball cards hidden under his clothing and in a box.
- Store security and surveillance video allegedly show Smith taking baseball cards on Feb. 23–26, with daily values recorded at $244, $261, and $121 before the final incident worth about $245.
- Smith, 42, faces charges of retail theft and receiving stolen property and is awaiting a rescheduled preliminary hearing after a postponement.
- Walmart valued the stolen merchandise at about $1,100 and is seeking $873 in restitution after only some cards were recovered.
- Diocesan officials say Smith has been on administrative leave since late January, the bishop has asked for prayers for the cathedral community, and police say Smith offered no reason as his attorney declined comment.