Adam Fetcher, a former press aide in the Obama administration, is facing a felony charge. He is accused of stealing a coworker’s debit card to buy kratom from a smoke shop in Minneapolis. Fetcher held the position of chief communications officer for the City of Minneapolis but was dismissed in early July amid a police investigation.
Reports claim Fetcher stole cash and bank cards from three municipal employees, spending hundreds at smoke shops. On Wednesday, prosecutors charged Fetcher with a felony count of financial transaction fraud, according to The Minneapolis Star Tribune.
The allegations present a political challenge for Mayor Jacob Frey. He already faces scrutiny over fraud linked to the city’s Somali community, a key constituency for him.
Adam Fetcher, 42, previous communications job included being a press secretary in the Obama administration. His illicit activities led to dismissal after allegedly stealing from city staff to buy kratom, noted for treating opioid withdrawal.
Prior to working for Frey, Fetcher held high-level communications roles in the Obama administration. In 2011, he served as assistant press secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. Later, he worked as the press secretary for Obama’s Department of the Interior until mid-2012.
Fetcher transitioned to corporate roles post-politics, including positions at Patagonia and Lyft. Records show he earned nearly $200,000 annually in his role at Minneapolis. Despite this, he lacked a criminal record, apart from minor traffic violations.
Sources reported to The Minneapolis Star Tribune that Fetcher allegedly stole from coworkers soon after attending a rehabilitation program. He had disclosed to colleagues his struggle with substance abuse. Kratom is often used to treat opioid withdrawal issues but carries addiction risks. It has been subject to rising scrutiny by authorities.
Fetcher’s attorney did not offer any comment when approached by Fox News Digital. Fetcher is set to appear in court on August 11.
Attempts to obtain a statement from a representative for Obama went unanswered as of Thursday.