A former Obama administration official is facing serious criminal allegations after investigators say he abused a position of public trust, bringing an abrupt end to a career that included senior government and corporate communications roles.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the felony charge itself, but also because prosecutors say the alleged conduct occurred while he served as the top communications official for one of America’s largest cities.
Adam Fetcher, 42, has been charged in Minnesota with one felony count of financial transaction card fraud after prosecutors allege he stole a coworker’s debit card and used it to purchase kratom from smoke shops in Minneapolis.
Fetcher most recently served as chief communications officer for the City of Minneapolis before being fired in early July amid a police investigation.
Before joining Minneapolis city government, Fetcher served in several positions during the Obama administration.
His résumé includes time as assistant press secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, press secretary at the Department of the Interior and deputy national press secretary for President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign.
After leaving government, he also held communications positions at Patagonia and Lyft before returning to public service in Minneapolis.
According to court documents, prosecutors allege Fetcher used stolen debit cards belonging to coworkers to purchase kratom, a plant-derived substance that has opioid-like effects and is sold legally in many states.
Police allege that surveillance footage captured Fetcher using one of the stolen cards at a Minneapolis smoke shop.
Authorities say the fraudulent purchases totaled approximately $481.
According to reports, three city employees reported missing cash or debit cards during the investigation.
The Minneapolis Police Department submitted its findings to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, which formally filed the felony charge this week.
Sources familiar with the investigation told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that the alleged thefts began shortly after Fetcher returned from a rehabilitation program.
According to those reports, Fetcher had previously told coworkers he was seeking treatment for a substance abuse problem.
Store manager Hamza Zamara told reporters that employees at one Minneapolis smoke shop became suspicious of the purchases.
“We told him, ‘Hey, we know what you’re doing,’” Zamara said.
Fetcher was terminated by the City of Minneapolis on July 1 after the allegations surfaced.
At the time, city officials confirmed they were cooperating with the police investigation.
Fetcher earned nearly $200,000 annually as Minneapolis’ chief communications officer, according to city salary records.
Court records indicate he had no prior criminal history beyond minor traffic violations before the current charge.
His attorney declined to comment following the filing of the felony case.
A representative for former President Barack Obama also did not respond to a request for comment, according to Fox News Digital.
Kratom remains legal in much of the United States and is commonly sold as an herbal supplement.
However, the Food and Drug Administration has warned about its potential for addiction and other health risks because of its opioid-like properties.
The criminal case against Fetcher is separate from other federal investigations involving alleged fraud in Minnesota.
Authorities have not alleged any connection between this case and the broader investigations involving Feeding Our Future or other public corruption matters.
Fetcher is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Aug. 11.
If convicted, he could face penalties under Minnesota law for financial transaction card fraud.
For Minneapolis officials, the case marks an embarrassing development involving the city’s former chief spokesman, whose responsibilities included managing the public image of city government.
For prosecutors, however, the case centers on a straightforward allegation that a public employee stole financial cards belonging to coworkers and used them for personal purchases, The New York Post reported.
The criminal charge now moves into the court system, where prosecutors will be required to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, while Fetcher remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
