Adam Fetcher, a former communications official for the city of Minneapolis and a one-time press aide in the Obama administration, has been charged with a felony count of financial transaction fraud. The charge stems from allegations that Fetcher stole a co-worker's debit card to purchase kratom, a mood-altering substance, from a local smoke shop.
Fetcher was fired from his role as Chief Communications Officer for Minneapolis in early July amid a police investigation into reports that he had stolen cash and bank cards from three fellow city employees. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that prosecutors formally filed the felony charge against Fetcher on Wednesday.
Prior to his municipal service, Fetcher held several communications positions within the Obama administration. He served as assistant press secretary for the Department of Homeland Security from 2011 and then as press secretary for the Department of the Interior until July 2012. He subsequently joined President Obama's reelection campaign as deputy national press secretary.
After his time in national politics, Fetcher worked in corporate communications roles for companies including Patagonia and Lyft.
According to individuals familiar with the matter who spoke to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Fetcher is suspected of taking cash and cards from colleagues' desks and bags shortly after returning from a rehabilitation program. Fetcher had informed his co-workers that he was seeking treatment for a substance abuse problem.
Kratom, often used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms, is a substance that has faced increasing scrutiny from federal and state regulators. It can be habit-forming.
Fetchers's attorney declined to comment when reached by Fox News Digital. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 11.
This case adds to existing political pressure on Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who is reportedly facing scrutiny over broader fraud issues involving members of the city's Somali community, a group with whom he has cultivated political ties. Fetcher's annual salary as Minneapolis's top communications staffer was nearly $200,000, and he had no prior criminal record beyond traffic violations before these allegations surfaced.