A former Obama administration communications official has been charged with felony fraud after authorities say he stole coworkers’ debit cards while serving as Minneapolis’s chief spokesman.
Adam Fetcher, 42, faces one felony count of financial transaction card fraud in Minnesota. Prosecutors allege he used stolen debit cards belonging to city employees to purchase kratom, a plant-derived substance sold at smoke shops, with fraudulent purchases totaling approximately $481.
Fetcher held several roles during the Obama administration, including 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. He later worked in communications roles at Patagonia and Lyft before joining Minneapolis city government.
The Allegations
According to court documents, surveillance footage allegedly captured Fetcher using one of the stolen cards at a Minneapolis smoke shop. Three city employees reported missing cash or debit cards during the investigation that led to the charge.
Store manager Hamza Zamara told reporters that employees at one Minneapolis smoke shop became suspicious of the purchases, saying “We told him, ‘Hey, we know what you’re doing.'”
Sources familiar with the investigation told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that the alleged thefts began shortly after Fetcher returned from a rehabilitation program. Fetcher had previously told coworkers he was seeking treatment for a substance abuse problem, according to those reports.
Employment and Background
Fetcher earned nearly $200,000 annually as Minneapolis’s chief communications officer. The city terminated him on July 1 after the allegations surfaced.
Court records indicate Fetcher had no prior criminal history beyond minor traffic violations before the current charge. His attorney declined to comment following the felony charge filing.
What Comes Next
The Minneapolis Police Department submitted its findings to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, which formally filed the felony charge this week. Fetcher is scheduled to make his first court appearance on August 11.
If convicted, Fetcher could face penalties under Minnesota law for financial transaction card fraud. He remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Staff contributed to this report.
