Adam Fetcher, a former deputy press secretary in the Obama administration, was fired from his position with the city of Minneapolis after allegedly stealing cash and credit cards from colleagues to purchase kratom, an herbal supplement used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Fetcher, 42, had been employed as a communications officer for the city for one year before his termination on July 1. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case, according to a spokesperson. The Star Tribune newspaper first reported on the allegations.
Authorities identified Fetcher as a suspect after a city employee reported unauthorized charges on her credit card. Surveillance footage from a local smoke shop reportedly captured Fetcher making a $481 purchase of kratom. Store employees later identified Fetcher from the footage and obtained his vehicle’s license plate number, which they provided to investigators.
City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher informed staff in an email that while the circumstances of Fetcher’s departure could not be detailed, several employees had reported missing cash, debit, or credit cards, along with unauthorized charges between mid-May and June. Kelliher assured staff that the city was taking the reports seriously and had acted accordingly, stating there was no indication of ongoing risk.
Before his role with the city of Minneapolis, Fetcher held senior communications positions at companies including Patagonia, Rivian, and Lyft. Fetcher earned an annual salary of $186,000 from his city position.