Former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson turned himself in to Connecticut State Police on Friday, facing two counts of first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community.
He is accused of misappropriating more than $85,000 from city funds, including money intended for confidential informants and youth programs.
Jacobson abruptly retired in early January after three assistant chiefs confronted him about missing funds from the New Haven Police Department’s (NHPD) Narcotic Enforcement Program, which is designed to pay informants aiding drug investigations.
While Jacobson initially admitted to taking $10,000, investigators later discovered that $81,500 was unaccounted for between January 2024 and January 2026.
Additionally, $4,000 was taken from the Police Activity League (PAL) fund, used to support summer camps and basketball clinics for local children, according to WFSB.
Court records reveal that Jacobson acknowledged using the misappropriated money to gamble, citing a personal gambling problem.
During a Jan. 5 meeting secretly recorded by Acting Chief David Zannelli, Jacobson admitted he had taken funds “between the last two months” and pleaded for leniency, promising to repay the money.
“I have spent too much money on gambling, yes,” he told officials.
Bank and financial records provide further detail on the scope of the alleged embezzlement.
In December 2025, Jacobson deposited two $5,000 checks from the Narcotic Enforcement Program into his personal account.
Investigators also found he cashed 14 additional checks totaling $70,000 that year, but only $23,000 was documented in department records.
Meanwhile, Jacobson wagered $4.46 million on DraftKings and FanDuel between January 1, 2025, and January 5, 2026, losing $214,365 in more than 1,300 transfers from his personal accounts.
For context, his annual salary as police chief was approximately $180,000, NBC Connecticut noted.
The theft of PAL funds drew sharp criticism, as the money is raised through donations, grants, and payroll contributions for programs aimed at youth development.
Jacobson returned the $4,000 in mid-January, but the impact on community trust remains significant.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker called the situation “shocking” and emphasized the importance of safeguarding taxpayer funds.
“Former Chief Jacobson dedicated his life to public service, but no one is above the law,” Elicker said.
Jacobson’s attorney, Gregory Cerritelli, urged the public to avoid rushing to judgment, noting that an arrest is not proof of guilt and discovery from the state has yet to be provided.
Meanwhile, state authorities confirmed that no other department members were involved in the alleged misconduct.
His bond was set at $150,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on March 6 in New Haven, CT Public reported.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about oversight of public funds and accountability for high-ranking officials.
While Jacobson had served 15 years with the NHPD and nine years previously with the East Providence Police Department in Rhode Island, the revelations have prompted city leaders to implement new protocols to prevent future misuse.
Elicker said residents and officers can now be confident that funds designated for confidential informants will be properly managed to support law enforcement efforts and maintain community trust.
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