A former aide from the Obama administration, Adam Fetcher, faces a felony charge for allegedly stealing a co-worker’s debit card to buy kratom. This mood-altering substance was purchased from a smoke shop in Minneapolis.
Fetcher was the chief communications officer for the City of Minneapolis. He was dismissed in early July amid a police investigation. Reports suggested he stole cash and bank cards from colleagues, spending heavily at smoke shops.
Prosecutors charged Fetcher with financial transaction fraud, according to The Minneapolis Star Tribune.
These allegations pose a new political challenge for Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The mayor is already under scrutiny for fraud linked to the Somali community, a group he has politically aligned with.
Fetcher, 42, once served as a press secretary in the Obama administration. He lost his communications job in Minneapolis following accusations of theft to buy kratom, used to treat opioid withdrawal.
Before joining Frey, Fetcher held communications positions in Obama’s administration and campaign. He worked as the assistant press secretary for the Department of Homeland Security in 2011. He later served as press secretary for the Department of the Interior until July 2012, later joining Obama’s re-election campaign as deputy national press secretary.
Outside politics, Fetcher held corporate positions at Patagonia and Lyft. His alleged theft is puzzling given his substantial $200,000 annual salary as Minneapolis’ top communications staffer.
Court records show no significant criminal history except for minor traffic violations.
Sources informed The Minneapolis Star Tribune about Fetcher’s suspected actions shortly after his rehabilitation program. He had disclosed to colleagues he was undergoing substance abuse treatment.
Kratom, used for opioid withdrawal symptoms, faces increasing scrutiny due to potential addiction risks.
Fetcher’s attorney offered no comment to Fox News Digital. His court appearance is set for August 11.
Fox News Digital reached out to an Obama representative for remarks but received no response.
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