A former Obama administration press aide who most recently served as Minneapolis’ top communications official has been charged with felony financial transaction fraud after allegedly stealing a coworker’s debit card to purchase kratom from a local smoke shop.
Adam Fetcher, 42, was formally charged Wednesday following an investigation that led to his dismissal earlier this month from his position as chief communications officer for the City of Minneapolis.
Prosecutors Allege Debit Card Theft
According to charges first reported by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Fetcher is accused of stealing a coworker’s debit card and using it to make purchases at a Minneapolis smoke shop.
The alleged purchases involved kratom, an herbal substance commonly marketed for pain relief and opioid withdrawal symptoms but which can also produce stimulant- and opioid-like effects depending on dosage.
Authorities previously investigated reports that Fetcher had stolen cash and bank cards from three fellow city employees, allegedly spending hundreds of dollars at local smoke shops.
Prosecutors have now charged him with one felony count of financial transaction card fraud.
Fired From Minneapolis City Hall
Fetcher was terminated from his position in early July as the police investigation unfolded.
At the time of his dismissal, he served as Mayor Jacob Frey’s chief communications officer, a role for which city records indicate he earned nearly $200,000 annually.
The allegations have created another political challenge for Frey, whose administration has already faced scrutiny over several high-profile fraud investigations involving public funds.
Former Obama Official
Before joining Minneapolis city government, Fetcher held several communications positions in the Obama administration.
He served as assistant press secretary at the Department of Homeland Security in 2011 before becoming press secretary at the Department of the Interior.
Fetcher later joined President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign as deputy national press secretary.
After leaving politics, he worked in senior communications roles at companies including Patagonia and Lyft before returning to public service in Minneapolis.
Investigation Raises Questions
The allegations surprised some observers given Fetcher’s career background and lack of prior criminal history.
Court records indicate he had no previous criminal convictions beyond minor traffic violations.
It also remains unclear why someone earning nearly $200,000 per year would allegedly steal relatively small amounts of cash and debit cards from coworkers.
According to sources cited by the Star Tribune, investigators believe the alleged thefts occurred shortly after Fetcher returned from a rehabilitation program.
The sources said Fetcher had informed coworkers he was receiving treatment for substance abuse.
Focus on Kratom
Authorities allege the stolen funds were used to purchase kratom, a botanical product derived from a Southeast Asian tree.
Kratom is commonly used by some individuals to manage chronic pain or ease opioid withdrawal symptoms, though federal health agencies have warned it can itself become addictive and carries risks of dependence and other adverse effects.
The substance has received increasing scrutiny from state and federal regulators in recent years, although its legal status varies across the United States.
Court Appearance Scheduled
Fetcher’s attorney declined to comment on the charges.
He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Aug. 11.
Fox News Digital reported that it also contacted representatives for former President Obama seeking comment but had not received a response.
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