Former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mission Support Specialist Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Scott P. Knox, 47, of Avondale, pleaded guilty last week to one count of Embezzlement by an Employee of the United States. Sentencing is scheduled for January 6, 2025, before United States District Judge Steven P. Logan.

In September 2023, after 16 years of employment with the DEA, Knox embezzled over $75,000 from a DEA vault to which he had access and control by virtue of his position as a Mission Support Specialist and Account Technician with the DEA in Phoenix. In this role, his responsibilities included safeguarding the DEA Imprest Fund, which is a designated cash reserve for managing recurring DEA expenses, including operational funds utilized by agents in the field. Knox admitted that he deliberately stole $75,546 in cash from the Imprest Fund secure room. Knox attempted to conceal his actions from the DEA, but his embezzlement was uncovered during an internal audit the DEA conducted in March 2024.

A conviction for Embezzlement by an Employee of the United States carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, and a term of three years of supervised release.

The United States Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Brook, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

CASE NUMBER: CR-24-01559-PHX-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-145_Knox

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