PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania: The head priest and dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh was arrested for stealing baseball cards worth US$1000 from a Walmart store.

The police arrested the Very Reverend Aidan Smith on February 27 just as he was leaving the Walmart in Economy Borough, just outside Pittsburgh. He had  27 packs of baseball cards concealed under his clothing and in a cardboard box, according to court records.

Smith, 42, was charged with receiving stolen property and retail theft.

Police responded after Walmart security reported that Smith had returned to the store after stealing items there on previous days. Police said store security video shows Smith taking baseball cards on four different days and leaving without paying. The stolen cards were worth about $1,099.99, according to police.

In a message to members of the cathedral last week, Ketlen Solak, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, said church officials will investigate the matter and follow church rules for handling clergy misconduct.

Solak said she had spoken with Aidan Smith and offered prayers for him during this difficult time. She also asked people to pray for Aidan, his wife Melanie, their children, the cathedral congregation, and everyone affected by the situation.

Solak's message said Smith has been on administrative leave since late January, but the diocese did not explain the reason. Smith's defense lawyer declined to comment.