Ex-New Haven Police Chief Arrested in $85,000 Fund Theft
Karl Jacobson was arrested on two larceny counts and released on a $150,000 bond after alleged misappropriation from narcotics and youth program funds.
Overview
Karl Jacobson turned himself in on an arrest warrant and was released on a court-set bond of $150,000 after being charged with two counts of larceny, the state prosecutor said.
The city of New Haven reported embezzlement allegations on Jan. 5, prompting a Connecticut State Police investigation, according to the state prosecutor's news release.
Mayor Justin Elicker said Jacobson admitted taking funds for personal use when confronted by three deputies and called the allegations "shocking" and a "betrayal of public trust."
Investigators found $81,500 unaccounted for from the Narcotic Enforcement Fund between Jan. 1, 2024, and Jan. 5, 2026, and two checks totaling $4,000 withdrawn from the Police Activity League Fund on Dec. 23–24, 2025.
Jacobson faces two counts of larceny, and his lawyer Gregory Cerritelli said an arrest is not evidence of guilt and the matter will be a "very long process."
Analysis
Center-leaning sources exhibit light editorial framing: the coverage foregrounds statements that emphasize institutional betrayal (a prosecutor noting harm to public confidence; a mayor calling the revelations “shocking” and citing alleged gambling). Source content from the defense is included, but placement and context—plus mention of past departmental controversies—widen the narrative toward institutional failure.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Karl Jacobson served as Assistant Police Chief of the New Haven Police Department, a position he held for several years before his arrest. In this capacity, he oversaw Patrol Operations, the Detectives Division, SWAT, Emergency Services, and School Resource Officers. He had been with the department for 15 years, rising through the ranks from Police Officer to Sergeant to Lieutenant to Assistant Chief before being nominated for the permanent Chief of Police position in 2022.
Karl Jacobson was sworn in as New Haven Police Chief on July 5, 2022, marking the fifth police chief change in less than six years for the department. His stated top priority upon taking office was to rebuild community trust following the incident involving Richard Randy Cox, who was paralyzed after sustaining a severe spine injury while in police custody on June 19, 2022. Jacobson emphasized that the department needed to demonstrate to the community that such incidents did not reflect the department's values.
Investigators identified two sources of alleged misappropriation. Approximately $81,500 was found unaccounted for from the Narcotics Enforcement Fund between January 1, 2024, and January 5, 2026. Additionally, two checks totaling $4,000 were withdrawn from the Police Activity League Fund on December 23-24, 2025, bringing the total alleged theft to approximately $85,500.
The City of New Haven reported embezzlement allegations on January 5, 2026, which prompted a Connecticut State Police investigation. According to Mayor Justin Elicker, Jacobson admitted to taking funds for personal use when confronted by three deputies. The discovery of the missing funds from both the Narcotics Enforcement Fund and Police Activity League Fund led to the formal investigation and subsequent charges.
Karl Jacobson was arrested and charged with two counts of larceny related to the alleged fund misappropriation. He turned himself in on an arrest warrant and was released on a court-set bond of $150,000. His attorney, Gregory Cerritelli, stated that an arrest is not evidence of guilt and indicated that the legal matter will be a lengthy process.
History
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