The City of Minneapolis has fired its Chief Communications Officer, Adam Fetcher, following an investigation into allegations of workplace theft and fraud. Fetcher, 42, was dismissed from his senior communications role after police opened an investigation into the alleged theft of cash and credit cards from co-workers.
According to investigators, Fetcher allegedly stole cash and credit cards from at least three City Hall employees' desks and purses between May and June. He then used the stolen credit cards to make hundreds of dollars in unauthorized purchases at local tobacco stores.
Surveillance footage captured Fetcher using one of the stolen cards to buy $481 worth of kratom, a herbal substance often marketed for pain relief and opioid withdrawal. Store employees contacted police after an unauthorized charge, and when Fetcher returned, staff allegedly photographed him, followed him outside, and recorded his license plate number.
Fetched was appointed by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey in July 2025 as the city's first cabinet-level Chief Communications Officer, earning nearly $190,000 a year. Before joining City Hall, he served as deputy national press secretary in the Obama administration and later held communications positions at Patagonia, Rivian, and Lyft.
City employees were notified this week of missing cash, debit cards, and credit cards, as well as unauthorized charges. In an email, City Operations Manager Margaret Anderson Kelliher wrote, "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."
Police have submitted the case to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office for possible criminal charges, and the matter remains under review. Fetcher has so far declined to comment. Court records show he has no prior criminal history in Minnesota beyond minor traffic violations.
