Former Harm Reduction Coalition COO accused of stealing over $200K

Prosecutors say Amy J. Knox stole funds meant to help stop overdoses in San Diego County

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Prosecutors in San Diego have accused 43-year-old Amy J. Knox, the former chief operating officer of the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego, of stealing over $210,000 in county funds that were supposed to be used for drug testing and distributing the opioid overdose-reversing drug naloxone. The initial estimate of stolen funds was $132,000, but prosecutors now believe even more is missing. Knox has pleaded not guilty, but a judge has raised her bail to $500,000 amid concerns she is a flight risk.

Why it matters

The Harm Reduction Coalition has long worked to reduce overdoses in the San Diego region, especially among the homeless population. The alleged theft of funds meant for crucial overdose prevention programs raises concerns about accountability and oversight of nonprofit organizations receiving public money to address public health crises.

The details

Prosecutors believe Knox used the stolen funds for personal expenses like a family trip to Disneyland, streaming service subscriptions, and paying off credit card bills. They also say Knox may have endangered additional taxpayer dollars through her work with a local foundation and a $1 million Narcan distribution deal with the state of New Mexico that investigators are unsure is legitimate. Knox has a prior criminal record of theft, having served time in prison about a decade ago for stealing hundreds of thousands from a family business and a small contracting company.

  • In 2023, a 'concerned citizen' accused Harm Reduction Coalition CEO Tara Stamos-Buesig of storing Narcan under a tarp in her front yard during '100-degree weather'.
  • On February 25, 2026, prosecutors said the estimated amount stolen by Knox has increased from $132,000 to $210,000.
  • The next court hearing for Knox is scheduled for April 1, 2026.

The players

Amy J. Knox

A 43-year-old former chief operating officer of the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego who is accused of stealing over $210,000 in county funds meant for overdose prevention programs.

Tara Stamos-Buesig

The CEO of the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego, who prosecutors say was the one to alert them to the financial issues within the organization.

Matthew Dix

The deputy district attorney prosecuting the case against Amy J. Knox.

Melinda Lasater

The judge presiding over the case, who raised Knox's bail to $500,000 amid concerns she is a flight risk.

Richard Katzman

The attorney representing Amy J. Knox, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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What they’re saying

“She has a lot of money ready to go. She's a flight risk.”

— Matthew Dix, Deputy District Attorney (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“We don't have any idea if that's legit.”

— Matthew Dix, Deputy District Attorney (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“She's responsible for an 11-year-old daughter.”

— Richard Katzman, Attorney for Amy J. Knox (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The judge will decide on April 1 whether to allow Knox to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial oversight and accountability for nonprofit organizations receiving public funds to address critical public health issues like the opioid crisis. The alleged theft of over $200,000 meant for overdose prevention programs raises serious concerns about how taxpayer dollars are being managed.