PHOENIX, Ariz. – Scott P. Knox, a 47-year-old resident of Avondale and former Mission Support Specialist for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), pleaded guilty last week to embezzling over $75,000 from agency funds. Knox, who had been employed with the DEA for 16 years, is scheduled for sentencing on January 6, 2025, before United States District Judge Steven P. Logan.
Knox’s role with the DEA in Phoenix involved safeguarding the DEA Imprest Fund—a secure cash reserve used to manage recurring operational expenses for field agents. In September 2023, Knox admitted to stealing $75,546 in cash from the fund’s secure room. His actions were uncovered during an internal audit by the DEA in March 2024, despite his attempts to conceal the embezzlement.
The charge of Embezzlement by an Employee of the United States carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Brook handling the prosecution.
