County to Pay Community Organizations for Work Not Paid by Contractor in Wake of Fraud Investigation
The County will issue payment to several local organizations who were subcontractors for the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego (HRCSD), a former County contractor whose prior Chief Operating Officer is accused of embezzlement.
The County will pay nearly $150,000 to six subcontractors that did not receive payments for services delivered on behalf of the Harm Reduction Coalition. In these instances, HRCSD never invoiced the County or received payment by the County, and the subcontractors did not receive reimbursement for work performed. While the County’s contract states HRCSD is solely responsible for paying their employees and subcontractors, the County determined some compensation will be issued for work and materials within the scope of the HRCSD contract given the unique circumstances.
All HRCSD subcontractors may also seek victim restitution for additional money they may be owed through the San Diego County District Attorney’s criminal case.
The Harm Reduction Coalition was responsible for distributing naloxone, an anti-overdose medication, along with drug testing materials. The County ended all contracts with the organization in June 2025.
The County is committed to accountability and is working with an independent auditor to review its overall contracting processes. The auditor is expected to deliver a report with findings and recommendations by the end of May.
Once the independent audit is complete, the County will evaluate the findings and determine additional steps needed to strengthen contracting practices and protect public resources.
The County encourages employees, contractors and the public to report concerns about waste, fraud or abuse. Reports can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the County’s Ethics Hotline at 866-549-0004 as well as online, and to the District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit.
Despite the termination of HRCSD contracts in 2025, the County’s naloxone distribution efforts have continued without interruption to ensure people have access to life-saving resources.