A former chief operating officer of a San Diego nonprofit is facing serious charges after prosecutors alleged she used county grant funds for personal expenses, including plastic surgery and luxury vacations. Amy Knox, previously with the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego, pleaded not guilty to multiple felony counts related to misappropriating over $130,000 meant to fight the local opioid epidemic.
According to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, Knox controlled the organization’s finances and was the main contact for county contracts that provided grants to support Narcan distribution and drug testing services. Investigators allege Knox diverted money from more than $4 million in county funds for spending on cosmetic surgeries, trips to Hawaii and Disneyland, utility bills, credit card payments, and brand-name clothing. About $30,000 was reportedly used for breast implants and a tummy tuck.
The allegations came to light when Harm Reduction Coalition CEO, Tara Stamos-Buesig, discovered unusual charges on the nonprofit’s bank account and reported them to the District Attorney last May. An audit performed by county staff also highlighted significant weaknesses in the nonprofit’s internal financial controls. The county canceled all contracts with the organization in June 2025 after the irregularities became clear.
Prosecutors said Amy Knox has a history of financial crimes, having been previously convicted of embezzling over $500,000 from another employer. However, despite that conviction being discovered on a later background check, she continued to manage multimillion-dollar public funds for the nonprofit. District Attorney Summer Stephan criticized the lack of safeguards, noting the failure to detect and act on warning signs sooner.
The investigation is ongoing, with officials looking into whether anyone else at the organization was involved and reviewing how contract oversight failed. County leadership has since urged any employees with knowledge of possible wrongdoing to come forward and report their concerns. If convicted, Knox could face up to seven years in state prison. Bail for Knox is currently set at $200,000 as hearings continue.
