Well, folks, even the elite can’t resist a shiny trinket, as a former Democratic adviser to two presidents finds himself in hot water over a sticky-fingered escapade.
The Washington Examiner reported that Tom Kerr, a Michigan man who once advised Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, has been charged with felony theft for allegedly swiping antiques worth over $2,400 from the Motor City Antiques Mall on Jan. 30, 2025.
Before we dive into the details, let’s just say this isn’t the kind of “legacy” one expects from a political insider.
Kerr, who held high-ranking roles like Michigan political director for John Kerry’s 2004 campaign and senior adviser under Obama, apparently took a detour from public service to petty crime.
It’s a reminder that no resume, no matter how polished, exempts anyone from accountability.
The saga began on a seemingly ordinary day at the Motor City Antiques Mall, where Kerr allegedly helped himself to a rare Carhartt clock valued at $2,000.
He didn’t stop there, also nabbing a 65-year-old Vernor’s sign worth $400. Turns out, actions have consequences, even for those who’ve walked the halls of power.
Darin Szilagy, a retired Detroit police official who rents a booth at the mall, wasn’t about to let this slide. He confronted Kerr about the missing sign, hoping to resolve things quietly. But let’s not kid ourselves—trusting a smooth-talking politico to come clean might be a bit optimistic.
“When I first called [Kerr], I read him the riot act,” Szilagy said. Well, good for Szilagy for not mincing words, though it seems Kerr thought a quick apology could sweep everything under the rug. Sadly for him, integrity isn’t as easy to buy as a stolen sign.
Szilagy, showing more grace than many would, offered Kerr a chance to make amends. “But then, I told him, ‘Look, I don’t know what’s going on in your life to make you want to do this, but I’m going to forgive you,’” Szilagy recounted. It’s a noble gesture, but forgiveness doesn’t erase evidence.
Kerr did apologize and coughed up $400 for the Vernor’s sign, likely thinking he’d dodged a bullet. But here’s the rub: he conveniently forgot to mention the pricier clock. If he thought he could outsmart a retired cop, he clearly underestimated the long arm of the law.
Szilagy, not one to be played for a fool, dug deeper after noticing the missing $2,000 clock. Upon reviewing video footage, he saw Kerr taking the item clear as day. It’s almost comical—did Kerr think cameras were just for decoration?
With the footage in hand, Szilagy reported Kerr to the police, and the case took a serious turn. Kerr now faces first-degree retail fraud, a felony that could land him up to five years behind bars. For a man who once advised presidents, this is quite the fall from grace.
A warrant for Kerr’s arrest has been active since March 2025, and it’s safe to say his political clout won’t help him here.
The left often lectures about privilege, but when one of their own gets caught, the silence is deafening. Where’s the progressive outrage over “systemic entitlement” now?
Let’s step back and look at Kerr’s resume for a moment—he was deputy chief of staff for former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm from 2003 to 2006. He also served as a travel adviser for the Clintons and worked on auto community issues under Obama. Impressive, sure, but no title justifies breaking the law.
For everyday folks who work hard to earn an honest living, seeing a well-connected figure allegedly stoop to theft stings. If anything, this should remind us that character matters more than credentials. Maybe it’s time for some in the political elite to take a long, hard look in the mirror.