The City of Minneapolis has terminated its inaugural chief communications officer after a police investigation into allegations that he stole cash and financial cards from fellow municipal employees and used at least one card for unauthorized purchases.
Dismissal and criminal review
Adam Fetcher, 42, was dismissed on July 1 after serving roughly a year in the cabinet-level communications post that was created last year to centralize messaging across city departments and bolster public trust. Minneapolis police later forwarded an investigative file to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for consideration of potential criminal charges; county prosecutors confirmed the matter remains under review.
- Fetcher was hired in July 2025 as Minneapolis’ first chief communications officer.
- He was dismissed July 1, 2026, after about one year in the role.
- Police submitted their investigative file to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for review; no criminal charges had been filed as of July 10, 2026.
The allegations, as reported by the Minnesota Star Tribune and cited by city sources, say the suspected thefts involved cash and credit or debit cards taken from three employees. The items were reportedly removed from desks or purses between mid-May and early June, and at least one stolen card was used to make several hundred dollars in purchases.
Impact on city communications and trust
The controversy places an unusual spotlight on a position established to coordinate internal and external messaging and to improve the municipal government's relationship with residents and staff. City leaders created the role to provide centralized oversight of internal communications, digital strategy and external messaging across departments — responsibilities now temporarily without their original leader amid the investigation.
"declined to comment"
Fetcher has not been criminally charged. His attorney, Nicole Kettwick, declined to comment when contacted, according to reporting. The allegations have not been proven in court.
What comes next
The Hennepin County Attorney's Office will review the investigative materials submitted by Minneapolis police and determine whether to file charges. The outcome will affect not only the individual involved but also city efforts to restore confidence in municipal operations and personnel practices. For Minneapolis residents and municipal employees, the case raises questions about workplace security and internal safeguards for staff belongings and financial information.
| Key dates | Event |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | Fetcher hired as chief communications officer |
| Mid-May–Early June 2026 | Alleged thefts occurred, per reporting |
| July 1, 2026 | Fetcher dismissed by City of Minneapolis |
| Early July 2026 | Police submitted file to Hennepin County Attorney’s Office |
City officials will face pressure to explain how alleged incidents occurred inside municipal workplaces and to outline measures to prevent similar incidents. The county attorney’s review will determine whether prosecutors believe there is sufficient evidence for criminal charges; until then the matter remains an open investigation with potential implications for city staffing and public confidence in municipal leadership.
