Former New Haven Police Chief Charged with Larceny

Karl Jacobson accused of stealing from confidential informant fund and police activity league

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New Haven's former police chief, Karl Jacobson, has been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree larceny for allegedly stealing $85,000 from funds used to pay confidential informants and the New Haven Police Activity League. Jacobson turned himself in to state police after admitting to taking money from the confidential informant fund for personal use.

Why it matters

The charges against the former police chief raise concerns about corruption and misuse of public funds within the New Haven Police Department. The missing money from the confidential informant fund and police activity league could have impacted the department's ability to effectively fight crime and support community programs.

The details

Investigators say $81,500 from the confidential informant fund was unaccounted for, and Jacobson had allegedly deposited $4,000 in checks from the New Haven Police Activity League fund into his personal checking account. Jacobson retired last month after three of his assistants confronted him about the missing funds.

  • Jacobson turned himself in to state police on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • Jacobson retired from the New Haven Police Department last month.

The players

Karl Jacobson

The former police chief of New Haven, Connecticut who has been charged with two counts of first-degree larceny for allegedly stealing $85,000 from police funds.

Justin Elicker

The mayor of New Haven who announced changes in oversight to the confidential informant fund and that it would start up again in the next few weeks.

David Zanelli

The acting police chief of New Haven who announced changes in oversight to the confidential informant fund.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage public trust in our police department.”

— Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven (New Haven Register)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Jacobson's bond and whether he will be allowed to await trial outside of custody.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial oversight and accountability within police departments to prevent misuse of public funds intended to support critical law enforcement activities and community programs.