Nonprofit COO Charged for Stealing $134,000 in Public Funds

Amy Knox allegedly used the money for plastic surgeries, luxury vacations, and more

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Amy Knox, the former COO of the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego, has been charged with stealing $134,000 in public funds that were meant to provide free anti-overdose medication and fentanyl test kits to drug users. Prosecutors say Knox used the money for personal expenses like plastic surgeries, luxury trips to Disneyland and Hawaii, and buying purebred dogs.

Why it matters

The alleged theft of public funds from a nonprofit organization that provides vital services to vulnerable populations is a serious breach of trust. It highlights the need for stronger financial oversight and accountability measures to prevent such misuse of taxpayer money, especially at nonprofits that receive government contracts.

The details

According to prosecutors, Knox, who also went by the names Amy Hernandez and Amy Ketchum, spent up to $30,000 on breast implants, a tummy tuck, and arm and thigh lifts. She also allegedly spent $94,000 on buying and training purebred dogs, martial arts classes, and a trip to Hawaii. Prosecutors say Knox was living in a $1.3 million home in Alpine, San Diego, and owned a second home as well.

  • In May, Harm Reduction Coalition CEO Tara Stamos-Buesig first noticed Knox's theft of public funds.
  • In June, the County of San Diego canceled its contracts with the Harm Reduction Coalition worth more than $11 million when the DA's office began its investigation.
  • Last week, Knox was arrested on six felony counts of fraud and misappropriation and is being held on $250,000 bail.

The players

Amy Knox

The former COO of the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego who is accused of stealing $134,000 in public funds and using the money for personal expenses.

Tara Stamos-Buesig

The CEO of the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego, who first noticed Knox's theft of public funds in May and reported it to the DA's office.

Summer Stephan

The San Diego County District Attorney who is prosecuting the case against Knox.

Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego

The nonprofit organization that received the public funds that Knox is accused of stealing.

County of San Diego

The county government that awarded the Harm Reduction Coalition contracts worth more than $11 million, which were canceled when the investigation into Knox began.

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What they’re saying

“It's sickening that this fraudster decided to line her own pockets, pay for luxury trips and cosmetic plastic surgeries, with these precious, potentially life saving dollars.”

— Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney

“It's going to be really hard to recover. My organization's gutted.”

— Tara Stamos-Buesig, CEO, Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Amy Knox out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for stronger financial oversight and accountability measures at nonprofits that receive public funding, to prevent the misuse of taxpayer money intended for vital community services.