Ex-Connecticut Police Chief Charged with Alleged Embezzlement from Department Funds

The former police chief of New Haven, Connecticut, was arrested on Friday on larceny charges, following serious allegations that he embezzled $85,000 from two department accounts. Karl Jacobson, 56, who unexpectedly retired from his position in January, turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued. He was subsequently released on a court-set bond of $150,000, according to a state prosecutor’s news release. Jacobson now faces two counts of larceny related to defrauding a public community.

Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “An allegation of embezzlement by a police official is a serious matter and potentially undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system.”

Jacobson’s attorney, Gregory Cerritelli, commented on the case, saying he could not address the specific allegations at this time. He urged the public to remember that “an arrest is not evidence of guilt and allegations are not proof.” Cerritelli added, “This is the beginning of a very long process. I urge everyone to keep an open mind and avoid a rush to judgment.”

In a surprising turn of events, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker revealed last month that Jacobson had admitted to taking money from a city fund designed to compensate confidential informants who assist police in solving crimes. The mayor stated that Jacobson confessed to using the funds for personal purposes when confronted by three of his deputies regarding financial discrepancies.

According to the arrest warrant, Jacobson disclosed to the deputies that he had been spending excessively on sports betting apps and was seeking help for a gambling addiction. He expressed his intention to repay the stolen funds, apologizing and asking for “an opportunity to save myself” to avoid imprisonment and losing his pension.

Investigators uncovered that Jacobson wagered over $4.4 million on his DraftKings and FanDuel accounts between January 1, 2025, and January 5, 2026. Although he won more than $4.2 million, he also lost over $214,000. Notably, Jacobson earned an annual salary of $180,000 as police chief.

During a news conference, Mayor Elicker described the allegations as “shocking,” noting that Jacobson initially admitted to taking only $10,000 from one police account. “We didn’t know how deep this went,” he remarked, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing.

“It’s a very sad day for the city to see a chief, who was beloved by so many people, arrested for a theft of public money and also money that was intended for children,” Elicker stated. Jacobson is also accused of misappropriating funds from the police athletic league, which supports various programs for the city’s youth.

Jacobson had served as police chief for three years in one of Connecticut’s largest cities, which is also home to Yale University. He took office in July 2022, shortly after a controversial incident involving a Black man who was paralyzed in the back of a police van, an event that stirred unrest within the police department and the community.

The state prosecutor’s office reported that the city of New Haven first raised concerns about the embezzlement on January 5, prompting an investigation by the Connecticut State Police. The inquiry revealed that $81,500 was unaccounted for or misappropriated from the New Haven Police Department Narcotic Enforcement Fund between January 1, 2024, and January 5, 2026. This fund is utilized to compensate confidential informants aiding in narcotics investigations.

According to a news release, “The defendant had access to money in that fund,” and bank records indicated that checks associated with the fund were deposited into Jacobson’s personal checking account. Additionally, two checks totaling $4,000 were withdrawn from the New Haven Police Activity League Fund between December 23 and December 24, 2025, both of which were found in Jacobson’s personal account. Investigators confirmed that no other individuals at the police department were implicated in the matter.

Jacobson had dedicated 15 years to the department before being appointed chief. He previously served for nine years in the East Providence Police Department in Rhode Island.

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Topics
Fraud
Law Enforcement
Connecticut

The former police chief of New Haven, Connecticut, was arrested on Friday on larceny charges, following serious allegations that he embezzled $85,000 from two department accounts. Karl Jacobson, 56, who unexpectedly retired from his position in January, turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued. He was subsequently released on a court-set bond of $150,000, according to a state prosecutor’s news release. Jacobson now faces two counts of larceny related to defrauding a public community.

Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “An allegation of embezzlement by a police official is a serious matter and potentially undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system.”

Jacobson’s attorney, Gregory Cerritelli, commented on the case, saying he could not address the specific allegations at this time. He urged the public to remember that “an arrest is not evidence of guilt and allegations are not proof.” Cerritelli added, “This is the beginning of a very long process. I urge everyone to keep an open mind and avoid a rush to judgment.”

In a surprising turn of events, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker revealed last month that Jacobson had admitted to taking money from a city fund designed to compensate confidential informants who assist police in solving crimes. The mayor stated that Jacobson confessed to using the funds for personal purposes when confronted by three of his deputies regarding financial discrepancies.

According to the arrest warrant, Jacobson disclosed to the deputies that he had been spending excessively on sports betting apps and was seeking help for a gambling addiction. He expressed his intention to repay the stolen funds, apologizing and asking for “an opportunity to save myself” to avoid imprisonment and losing his pension.

Investigators uncovered that Jacobson wagered over $4.4 million on his DraftKings and FanDuel accounts between January 1, 2025, and January 5, 2026. Although he won more than $4.2 million, he also lost over $214,000. Notably, Jacobson earned an annual salary of $180,000 as police chief.

During a news conference, Mayor Elicker described the allegations as “shocking,” noting that Jacobson initially admitted to taking only $10,000 from one police account. “We didn’t know how deep this went,” he remarked, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing.

“It’s a very sad day for the city to see a chief, who was beloved by so many people, arrested for a theft of public money and also money that was intended for children,” Elicker stated. Jacobson is also accused of misappropriating funds from the police athletic league, which supports various programs for the city’s youth.

Jacobson had served as police chief for three years in one of Connecticut’s largest cities, which is also home to Yale University. He took office in July 2022, shortly after a controversial incident involving a Black man who was paralyzed in the back of a police van, an event that stirred unrest within the police department and the community.

The state prosecutor’s office reported that the city of New Haven first raised concerns about the embezzlement on January 5, prompting an investigation by the Connecticut State Police. The inquiry revealed that $81,500 was unaccounted for or misappropriated from the New Haven Police Department Narcotic Enforcement Fund between January 1, 2024, and January 5, 2026. This fund is utilized to compensate confidential informants aiding in narcotics investigations.

According to a news release, “The defendant had access to money in that fund,” and bank records indicated that checks associated with the fund were deposited into Jacobson’s personal checking account. Additionally, two checks totaling $4,000 were withdrawn from the New Haven Police Activity League Fund between December 23 and December 24, 2025, both of which were found in Jacobson’s personal account. Investigators confirmed that no other individuals at the police department were implicated in the matter.

Jacobson had dedicated 15 years to the department before being appointed chief. He previously served for nine years in the East Providence Police Department in Rhode Island.

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Topics
Fraud
Law Enforcement
Connecticut