Former Obama Press Aide Charged with Financial Fraud in Minneapolis

Adam Fetcher, a former press aide for President Obama, has been charged with felony financial transaction fraud for allegedly stealing a co-worker's debit card to purchase kratom from a smoke shop in Minneapolis. Fetcher, who was the chief communications officer for the City of Minneapolis, was fired in July amid an investigation into claims that he took cash and bank cards from three municipal employees. Prosecutors filed the felony charge on Wednesday, according to The Minneapolis Star Tribune. Fetcher previously held several communications roles in the Obama administration and has worked for companies such as Patagonia and Lyft. Reports indicate that he was making nearly $200,000 annually in his city role, raising questions about his alleged theft of small amounts of cash. Fetcher has no prior criminal record, except for minor traffic violations. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 11.