Overview
- Bishop Ketlen Solak accepted the resignation of the Rev. Aidan Smith as dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, and he remains a member of the clergy during the case.
- Title IV proceedings opened on Feb. 15 over questions about possible improper online sales of cathedral artifacts and will now also cover the retail-theft allegations.
- Police say surveillance showed Smith taking baseball cards over several days from a Walmart in Economy Borough, with the merchandise valued at $1,099.99.
- Smith was charged with retail theft and receiving stolen property and was released after posting $50,000 bail, according to court records.
- Cathedral operations will be overseen on an interim basis by Bishop Solak, the Rev. Mary Jayne Ledgerwood, and the executive committee, with a broader discernment process expected to start in three to four months, and a preliminary hearing set for March 26.