San Diego Nonprofit Executive Charged with Misusing Funds

Allegations of spending over $130,000 in county contracts on personal expenses raise accountability concerns.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The San Diego County District Attorney has announced six felony charges against the former chief operating officer of the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego, a nonprofit that received over $5 million in county contracts to distribute Narcan and prevent fentanyl deaths. The charges allege that more than $130,000 of these funds were stolen and spent on cosmetic procedures, luxury travel, and personal expenses, even as first responders were racing to get life-saving Narcan to those in need.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of accountability and oversight when distributing public funds, especially to outside nonprofits. Despite red flags raised by county staff, officials awarded a second contract to the organization, allowing the alleged misuse of funds to continue. It raises questions about the county's fraud prevention safeguards and the need for greater transparency in spending public dollars.

The details

The charges allege that the former chief operating officer of the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego misused over $130,000 in county funds meant for Narcan distribution and fentanyl prevention efforts. The funds were allegedly spent on personal expenses such as cosmetic procedures and luxury travel, including trips to Hawaii and Disneyland.

  • The San Diego County District Attorney announced the six felony charges this week.
  • The alleged misuse of funds occurred while first responders were working to distribute Narcan and prevent fentanyl deaths in the community.

The players

Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego

A nonprofit that received over $5 million in county contracts to distribute Narcan and prevent fentanyl deaths.

San Diego County District Attorney

The office that announced the six felony charges against the former chief operating officer of the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego.

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What they’re saying

“While first responders were racing to get Narcan into the hands of people who needed it most, these life-saving dollars were allegedly being siphoned off for trips to Hawaii and Disneyland.”

— Jim Desmond, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Member (valleycenter.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow the former chief operating officer out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong oversight and accountability measures when distributing public funds, especially to outside organizations. It raises concerns about the county's fraud prevention safeguards and the need for greater transparency to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly.