The Brief

San Diego County Initiates Independent Audit Amid Narcan Embezzlement Charges

San Diego County begins an independent audit of its contracting processes following embezzlement charges against a nonprofit executive responsible for distributing Narcan.

In February 2026, Amy Knox, the former Chief Operating Officer of the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego, was charged with embezzling over $130,000 from the organization. The funds were intended for the distribution of Narcan, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Knox allegedly used the misappropriated funds for personal expenses, including plastic surgery procedures, trips to Hawaii and Disneyland, and payments for her SDG&E and credit card bills. In response to these charges, San Diego County Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton announced a formal review of the county's internal contracting processes. The county is conducting an independent audit to assess and strengthen its oversight mechanisms, ensuring that public funds are used appropriately and effectively. The Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego had been contracted by the county to distribute Narcan, a critical component in the fight against the opioid crisis. Despite the embezzlement charges, the county has confirmed that the distribution of Narcan has continued uninterrupted, with alternative measures in place to ensure the community's access to this essential medication. The county's decision to initiate an independent audit underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing public resources. By scrutinizing its contracting procedures, San Diego County aims to prevent future incidents of misappropriation and to uphold the trust of its residents. This development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local governments in overseeing contracted services and the importance of robust oversight mechanisms. As the audit progresses, the county is expected to implement recommendations to enhance its contracting processes and prevent similar issues in the future.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

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