Full Breakdown
Allegations of Fraud Rock San Diego's Harm Reduction Coalition
2/19/2026, 5:35:51 AM
Overview of the Allegations
Amy Knox, the former Chief Operating Officer of the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego, has been arrested and charged with misappropriating over $134,000 in public funds. Prosecutors allege that Knox used these funds for personal expenses, including cosmetic surgeries, luxury vacations, and high-end shopping. The funds were originally intended for distributing life-saving overdose reversal drugs and testing street drugs to combat the fentanyl crisis in San Diego.
Details of Misappropriation
Knox allegedly diverted public money to finance a lavish lifestyle, including spending approximately $30,000 on cosmetic procedures such as breast implants and tummy tucks. Additionally, she reportedly used the funds for personal expenses, including credit card bills exceeding $94,000, trips to Disneyland and Hawaii, and purchases of purebred dogs and martial arts classes. The funds were primarily sourced from county contracts and philanthropic grants aimed at providing critical health services to drug users.
Background of the Harm Reduction Coalition
The Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego was established to implement strategies aimed at reducing the negative consequences of drug use, particularly through the distribution of naloxone, often sold under the brand name Narcan. The organization had received contracts worth over $11 million from the County of San Diego to support these initiatives. However, following the discovery of Knox's alleged fraud, the county terminated its contracts with the nonprofit in June 2026.
Impact on the Organization and Community
Tara Stamos-Buesig, the CEO of the Harm Reduction Coalition, expressed that the organization has been "gutted" by the loss of funding and is struggling to recover. Stamos noted that the fraudulent activities have severely impacted their ability to serve vulnerable populations, particularly in addressing the overdose crisis. The organization was responsible for distributing anti-overdose kits and providing education on substance use disorders.
Previous Criminal History
Knox's history includes a prior conviction for embezzling $500,000 from a previous employer, which raises concerns about the vetting processes for high-level staff in nonprofit organizations. Despite her past, Knox had complete control over the finances of the Harm Reduction Coalition, managing payroll, tax filings, and county contracts. Stamos stated that Knox's criminal history did not appear in the organization's background checks, and she only became aware of the severity of Knox's past in the summer of 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan condemned Knox's actions, stating, “It’s sickening that this fraudster decided to line her own pockets... with these precious, potentially life-saving dollars.” Stamos also expressed gratitude for the investigation, emphasizing the detrimental effects of Knox's actions on the community and the organization's mission.
What's Next
Knox faces six felony counts of fraud and misappropriation and could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison. She is currently being held on $250,000 bail. The investigation continues as the county seeks to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future, with new contracts being established with other organizations to continue the distribution of naloxone and support for individuals with substance use disorders.
