Amy Knox, COO of Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego, Charged with Embezzling $134K in Public Funds Allegedly Spent on Plastic Surgery, Travel, and Personal Expenses

A former chief operating officer of the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after prosecutors allege she misused more than $134,000 in nonprofit funds for personal expenses.

Authorities say Amy Knox, who managed the organization’s finances and oversaw county contracts, was taken into custody and charged with three felony counts of misappropriation of public money and three felony counts of fraudulent appropriation. She is scheduled to appear before a Superior Court judge.

Investigators allege Knox diverted funds — largely sourced from county and philanthropic grants — to pay for personal purchases, including about $30,000 for cosmetic surgeries such as breast implants, lifts, and a tummy tuck. Court documents also claim she used nonprofit accounts to pay more than $10,200 in utility bills and nearly $94,000 toward personal credit card balances.

According to investigators, those credit card charges allegedly covered trips, luxury clothing, cosmetics, entertainment subscriptions, home improvements, dog purchases and training, and martial arts lessons.

Amy Knox, former COO of the Harm Reduction Coalition, is seen at an arraignment at San Diego Central Courthouse on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.

The investigation began after CEO Tara Stamos reported suspicious withdrawals from the organization’s bank account. Knox had already left her position when concerns were raised.

Prosecutors also cited Knox’s prior criminal history in seeking higher bail. Records show she previously served prison time after pleading guilty in 2015 to felony grand theft related to embezzlement from earlier employers, including a construction firm that lost more than $500,000 over several years.

The nonprofit had previously held county contracts to distribute naloxone (commonly known by the brand name Narcan) and test street drugs to prevent overdoses. The county ended those contracts last year, stating they were terminated for convenience rather than for a specific breach.

County officials say naloxone distribution continues through other providers. The case against Knox remains ongoing, and she has not been convicted of the new charges.