Former San Diego Nonprofit Exec Charged with Stealing $130K for Plastic Surgery

Amy Knox allegedly misused public funds intended for fentanyl overdose prevention to pay for personal cosmetic procedures and luxuries.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A former chief operating officer of a San Diego nonprofit has been accused of stealing more than $130,000 in public money intended to stop fentanyl overdose deaths and spending it on personal cosmetic procedures, luxury trips, and other items. Amy Knox, the ex-COO of Harm Reduction-SD, has been charged with multiple felony counts of misappropriating public money and embezzlement.

Why it matters

The alleged scandal raises concerns about oversight measures in place at the county of San Diego, which approved the contracts Knox managed. Knox had a prior conviction for stealing over $500,000 from a previous employer, yet was still entrusted with millions in public funds. This case highlights the importance of thorough background checks and robust financial controls for organizations receiving government grants.

The details

Prosecutors say Knox spent at least $30,000 of the embezzled funds on personal cosmetic procedures including breast implants, a lift, arm and thigh lifts, and a tummy tuck. She also allegedly used the nonprofit's checking account to pay over $90,000 in credit card bills for thousands of personal items and services, as well as over $10,000 to pay utility bills on two of her residential properties.

  • In July 2022, Knox became the chief operating officer of Harm Reduction-SD.
  • In April 2023, a county audit revealed 'significant financial control weaknesses' at Harm Reduction-SD.
  • In August 2024, the county awarded Harm Reduction-SD a second contract, despite being aware of Knox's prior embezzlement conviction.
  • In June 2025, the county terminated its contracts with Harm Reduction-SD after the nonprofit's CEO reported suspicious payments made by Knox.
  • On February 19, 2026, Knox was charged with three felony counts of misappropriating public money and three felony counts of embezzlement.

The players

Amy Knox

The former chief operating officer of Harm Reduction-SD, who has been accused of stealing over $130,000 in public funds and spending it on personal expenses.

Harm Reduction-SD

A San Diego nonprofit that received over $5.8 million in grant funding from the county to distribute the overdose reversal medication Narcan and test for the presence of fentanyl in street drugs.

Summer Stephan

The San Diego district attorney who investigated the case and announced the charges against Knox.

Terra Lawson-Remer

The chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, who called the alleged thefts 'a serious breach of trust'.

Tara Stamos

The chief executive of Harm Reduction-SD, who reported suspicious payments made by Knox to the county.

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What they’re saying

“This defendant had a history of stealing large amounts of money from her employer and violating their trust, yet she was still able to be in charge of millions of dollars in public funds. Checks and balances exist for a reason, yet there was no evidence of a background check.”

— Summer Stephan, San Diego District Attorney (latimes.com)

“I have called on our Chief Administrative Officer, Ebony Shelton, and County Counsel Damon Brown to review how this happened and if warranted to propose immediate structural safeguards to stop this from ever happening again.”

— Terra Lawson-Remer, Chair, San Diego County Board of Supervisors (latimes.com)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough background checks and robust financial controls for organizations receiving government grants, as well as the need for stronger oversight measures to prevent the misuse of public funds intended for critical public health initiatives.