Former New Haven Police Chief Arrested for Embezzlement

Karl Jacobson, the former police chief of New Haven, Connecticut, was arrested on February 20, 2026, on charges of larceny after allegedly stealing approximately $85,000 from two department accounts. Jacobson, who abruptly retired in January 2026, turned himself in following an arrest warrant and was released on a $150,000 bond. He faces two counts of first-degree larceny related to defrauding a public community, as confirmed by the Connecticut State Police and the state Department of Criminal Justice (DCJ).

New York Post

The investigation into Jacobson began when the city of New Haven reported financial irregularities on January 5, 2026. Mayor Justin Elicker stated that Jacobson admitted to taking funds from a program designed to compensate confidential informants aiding police in narcotics investigations. The DCJ indicated that $81,500 was unaccounted for from the New Haven Police Department Narcotic Enforcement Fund between January 2024 and January 2026. Additionally, checks totaling $4,000 were allegedly withdrawn from the New Haven Police Activity League Fund and deposited into Jacobson's personal account.

Hartford CourantNew York Post

In a statement, Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, noting that embezzlement by a police official undermines public confidence in the justice system. Mayor Elicker expressed his shock at the situation, labeling it a "betrayal of trust" and confirming that the city had frozen the funds in the confidential informant program pending further investigation. Elicker also announced that a temporary version of the program would resume in two weeks with enhanced security measures.

Hartford Courant

Jacobson's attorney, Gregory Cerritelli, urged the public to refrain from rushing to judgment, stating that an arrest does not equate to guilt. He highlighted the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold. Elicker reiterated that no one is above the law, asserting that Jacobson must be held accountable for his actions, which he described as a breach of public trust.

Hartford Courant

The investigation into Jacobson's actions will continue under the oversight of New Britain State’s Attorney Christian M. Watson to avoid conflicts of interest. The city has engaged the Police Executive Research Forum to analyze the policies surrounding the confidential informant program and provide recommendations for future safeguards.

Hartford Courant

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

New York Post

• “This is the beginning of a very long process. I urge everyone to keep an open mind and avoid a rush to judgment.” — Gregory Cerritelli, Attorney for Karl Jacobson

Hartford Courant

• “It’s a sad day for the city of New Haven,” — Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven

Hartford Courant

• “With the new policies and protocols that we have now put in place, our residents and officers can be confident that funds allocated for the police department’s confidential informant program will be properly safeguarded and properly used to investigate and solve crimes and to identify criminals and bring them to justice,” — Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven

Hartford Courant