A former deputy press secretary for the Obama administration, Adam Fetcher, 42, has been terminated from his position with the city of Minneapolis following allegations of theft from his colleagues. Fetcher is accused of stealing cash and credit cards from fellow city employees to fund his purchase of kratom, an herbal supplement often used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Allegations Surface After Rehabilitation Program
The accusations emerged after Fetcher returned from a work-approved, multi-week rehabilitation program. He had served as a communications officer for the city for approximately one year before his dismissal on July 1. The case has since been forwarded to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for review, according to reports.
The alleged incidents of theft, which included missing cash, debit, and credit cards along with unauthorized charges, reportedly occurred between mid-May and June. City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher informed staff via email about Fetcher’s termination, noting that the Communications team was reorganized and well-positioned to handle the city’s needs. While the email did not detail the reasons for Fetcher’s departure, a separate memo from Kelliher confirmed that multiple employees had reported missing items and fraudulent charges.
“I know this information may be concerning and troubling, and I want to assure you that the City takes this sort of report seriously and has acted accordingly,” Kelliher wrote in the memo, obtained by local news. “Although we cannot provide additional details, we have no reason at this time to believe there is any ongoing risk of theft.”
Surveillance Footage Links Fetcher to Kratom Purchase
Surveillance footage reportedly captured Fetcher at a Minneapolis smoke shop purchasing kratom. Authorities focused on this establishment after a woman reported that her credit card had been used without her permission for a $481 purchase at the Minneapolis Tobacco & Vapor shop, located less than a mile from Fetcher’s residence. Store manager Hamza Zamara stated that his staff assisted investigators in identifying Fetcher as the individual who allegedly used fraudulent cards.
According to the report, employees at the smoke shop recognized Fetcher when he returned to the store after the fraudulent purchase was reported. They reportedly took photographs of him and followed him outside, subsequently providing investigators with his vehicle’s license plate number. Zamara recounted confronting Fetcher, saying, “We told him, ‘Hey, we know what you’re doing.’”
Fetcher’s Career Before City Hall
Prior to his role with the city of Minneapolis, Adam Fetcher held significant communications positions in both the public and private sectors. He served as a deputy national press secretary during the Obama administration. Following his time in government, Fetcher moved into senior communications roles at prominent companies, including the outdoor apparel brand Patagonia, electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, and ride-sharing giant Lyft.
Fetcher’s annual salary with the city of Minneapolis was reported to be $186,000. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case presented by authorities.
Understanding Kratom
Kratom, the substance Fetcher is accused of purchasing with allegedly stolen funds, is derived from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It has gained attention for its potential to alleviate pain and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction. However, kratom also carries its own risks, including the potential for dependence and addiction. Its legal status and regulation vary significantly by country and even by state within the United States.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom as a medical treatment and has issued warnings about its potential dangers, citing concerns about contamination with salmonella and the risk of serious side effects, including respiratory depression, seizures, and liver damage. Despite these warnings, kratom remains available in many parts of the U.S., often sold in smoke shops and online retailers.
The allegations against Fetcher highlight the complex issues surrounding substance use and recovery, as well as the potential consequences when individuals relapse or struggle to maintain sobriety, particularly in professional environments. The city of Minneapolis has stated it is taking the matter seriously and has taken appropriate action, assuring employees that there is no current risk of ongoing theft.
