West Valley man pleads guilty to robbing DEA office in Phoenix

INDEPENDENT MEDIA

A 47-year-old Avondale man pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement by a United States employee, federal authorities said.

In September 2023, after 16 years with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Scott P. Knox embezzled more than $75,000 from a DEA vault to which he had access and control through his position as a mission support specialist and accountant at the DEA in Phoenix. according to a release from the US Attorney’s Office.

His duties included safeguarding the DEA’s Imprest Fund, which is a designated reserve of cash to manage the DEA’s ongoing expenses, including operating funds used by agents in the field, the release said, adding that “Knox admitted that he intentionally stole 75 $546 in cash from the Advance Fund.” safe room.”

According to the release, Knox tried to hide his activities from the DEA, but his embezzlement was discovered during an internal audit conducted by the DEA in March 2024.

The conviction carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, and three years of supervised release.

Knox will be sentenced Jan. 6 by U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Logan.

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