Former Obama Press Aide Charged with Theft in Minneapolis

Adam Fetcher, a former press aide for President Obama, faces a felony charge for allegedly stealing a co-worker’s debit card to buy kratom from a Minneapolis smoke shop. Fetcher, who served as chief communications officer for the City of Minneapolis, was dismissed in July due to a police investigation on reports of theft from municipal employees. Prosecutors charged Fetcher with financial transaction fraud, according to The Minneapolis Star Tribune.

The situation presents a political challenge for Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, already under scrutiny for fraud cases involving members of the city’s Somali community. Fetcher, a 42-year-old, previously worked as a press secretary in the Obama administration and was fired for stealing cash and charge cards to purchase kratom, a drug used for treating opioid withdrawal.

Fetcher held positions within the Obama administration, including assistant press secretary for the Department of Homeland Security in 2011 and later as press secretary for the Department of the Interior until July 2012. He left to join the campaign for Obama’s re-election. After politics, Fetcher took on corporate roles, such as communications positions at Patagonia and Lyft.

Investigators are puzzled by his theft, as records show Fetcher earned nearly $200,000 annually in his Minneapolis role and had no criminal record apart from minor traffic violations. Sources revealed Fetcher allegedly stole from coworkers following his return from a rehabilitation program, having disclosed his substance abuse treatment.

Kratom, although used for opioid withdrawal, has the potential for addiction and faces scrutiny from federal and state authorities. Fetcher’s attorney declined to comment, and he is expected in court on August 11. A request for comment to a representative for Obama remained unanswered.