SAN DIEGO, California – Amy Knox, former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego, has pleaded not guilty to charges of embezzling $132,000 in public funds to finance a lavish personal lifestyle, including cosmetic surgery and luxury travel.
The 45-year-old defendant faces six felony charges related to fraud and misappropriation of funds. If convicted, she could face up to 7 years in prison.
Detained, Bail Set at $200,000
Knox appeared in court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty. The judge set bail at $200,000. As of Thursday, she was being held at the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility.
Defense attorney Richard Katzman has not yet issued a public statement.
Misappropriated Public Funds
Prosecutors allege that Knox used tax-generated funds, grants, and opioid settlement funds – which were earmarked for free overdose reversal medication and fentanyl test kits – for personal expenses.
According to records, she allegedly spent approximately $30,000 on multiple cosmetic surgeries, including breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and arm and thigh lifts. Other expenses included purebred dogs, dog training, martial arts classes, and trips to Hawaii and Disneyland.
Real estate records show that Knox and her husband, Jeffrey Knox, purchased a luxurious nearly 2,900-square-foot home in San Diego in 2023 for $1.375 million.
Whistleblower Received Threats
The organization's Executive Director, Tara Stamos-Buesig, stated that she was the one who reported suspicions to the District Attorney's Office. After the allegations surfaced, she said she received numerous threatening calls.
The San Diego County District Attorney's Office, led by Summer Stephan, confirmed that the whistleblower's information was crucial in initiating the investigation.
Subsequently, San Diego County canceled two contracts worth over $11 million with the organization. Stamos-Buesig stated that the organization is facing a severe financial crisis and has had to reduce its staff.
Previous Criminal Record
According to court records, Knox previously pleaded guilty to felony grand theft in 2015 for embezzling over $500,000 from a previous employer and served a prison sentence.
Knox is scheduled to return to court on February 25 for a bail review hearing.
The case has garnered significant attention in San Diego due to its connection to opioid overdose prevention funds – a sensitive issue amid the current fentanyl crisis. The investigation is ongoing.
