Former Obama Press Aide Faces Felony Charge After Alleged Theft From Minneapolis Coworker
Adam Fetcher, a former Obama administration press aide who later served as Minneapolis’ chief communications officer, has been fired and charged with a felony after allegedly using a coworker’s stolen debit card to make a $481 purchase at a local tobacco shop.
Fetcher, 42, was dismissed by the City of Minneapolis on July 1 after police investigated reports that cash and payment cards had gone missing from several city employees between May and June. The investigation later focused on an alleged unauthorized transaction at Minneapolis Tobacco & Vapor.
Prosecutors subsequently charged Fetcher with one felony count of financial transaction fraud in connection with the June 11 purchase. According to FOX 9, police allege that Fetcher took a coworker’s debit card from her purse while it was left on her desk and used it at the tobacco shop later that day.
The case initially came to public attention after Minneapolis police submitted an investigative file to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for review. At the time of his firing, prosecutors were still determining whether criminal charges would be filed. The felony charge was announced several weeks later.
Investigators were reportedly led to the smoke shop after the cardholder noticed an unauthorized transaction and contacted the business. Surveillance footage allegedly showed Fetcher using the card inside the store.
According to reporting by the Minnesota Star Tribune, employees at the business later recognized Fetcher when he returned. Store staff photographed him and provided investigators with information about the vehicle he was driving. Police then used surveillance footage and vehicle records to identify Fetcher as the person seen in the transaction.
The investigation also involved allegations of additional thefts. Multiple city employees reportedly told investigators that cash, debit cards or credit cards had gone missing from their desks or personal belongings, with some cards later showing unauthorized transactions. The Star Tribune reported that investigators were examining whether Fetcher was connected to those incidents as well.
Fetcher had worked for the city for roughly one year. Minneapolis officials announced his departure without publicly detailing the allegations at the time. In a separate communication to city employees, City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher said several workers had reported missing money and payment cards.
The allegations emerged after Fetcher returned from a nine-week leave for treatment related to a substance-use disorder, according to the Star Tribune. Reports have said the alleged purchases included kratom, an herbal product that some people use for opioid-withdrawal symptoms and that can also carry a risk of dependence.
Before joining Minneapolis city government, Fetcher held several prominent communications positions. He worked in the Obama administration, including as a deputy national press secretary during Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. He later held senior communications roles at companies including Patagonia, Rivian and Lyft.
Fetcher was reportedly earning approximately $186,000 annually in his Minneapolis position when he was dismissed.
The case now moves through the criminal justice system. Fetcher has been charged, but the allegations remain allegations unless and until they are established in court. His attorney has declined to comment publicly on the case, according to Fox News.
The allegations have drawn attention because of Fetcher’s previous government and corporate communications career and his relatively short tenure as Minneapolis’ top communications official. The felony case is now pending in Hennepin County District Court.