San Diego County officials were aware by January 2023 that Amy Knox, a top executive at the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego, had a prior embezzlement conviction. Despite this, they awarded the nonprofit a contract worth over $1 million annually in 2024.
A whistleblower reported Knox's criminal history, leading to an audit that identified financial control issues. The county did not require Knox's removal but called for policy changes.
The nonprofit's CEO claimed the county never informed her of the full extent of Knox's past. The county failed to follow up on audit recommendations, and the nonprofit never established a proper board of directors.
- County officials knew of Knox's embezzlement conviction by January 2023. - The county awarded a $1 million contract to the nonprofit in 2024 despite this knowledge.
- A whistleblower reported Knox's history, but the county only conducted an audit. - The county did not ensure audit recommendations were implemented.
The case raises serious questions about the county's oversight of contractors with criminal histories and its failure to protect public funds.