A former deputy press secretary for the Obama administration was fired from his Minneapolis city job after allegedly stealing cash and credit cards from coworkers to purchase kratom, an herbal supplement used to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms. Adam Fetcher, 42, who served as the city’s communications officer, was terminated on July 1 following allegations of theft. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case for possible criminal charges.
Fetcher allegedly stole from coworkers after returning from a work-approved, nine-week rehabilitation program for substance abuse. Surveillance footage captured him purchasing kratom at a Minneapolis smoke shop using a stolen credit card. Store employees identified him after a coworker reported unauthorized charges. Fetcher earned $186,000 annually in his city role.
The case was submitted to prosecutors after Fetcher allegedly made a $481 purchase at Minneapolis Tobacco & Vapor using a stolen card. Store manager Hamza Zamara confirmed employees confronted Fetcher, telling him, 'We know what you’re doing.' Authorities used surveillance footage and the store’s cooperation to identify Fetcher.