A former Obama administration press aide was fired from his position as Minneapolis’ chief communications officer after authorities accused him of stealing cash and credit cards from coworkers and using at least one of the cards to purchase kratom, according to multiple reports.  

Adam Fetcher, 42, was dismissed by the City of Minneapolis on July 1 while police investigated allegations that he stole cash and payment cards from fellow city employees over several weeks this past spring.

According to several reports, surveillance video showed him using one of the stolen credit cards for a $481 purchase of kratom at a Minneapolis smoke shop. 

The case has since been submitted to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for possible criminal charges.  

Investigators alleged the thefts occurred between May and June, shortly after Fetcher returned to work following an approved leave of absence for treatment related to a substance use disorder.