Former Connecticut Police Chief Arrested Over Alleged $85,000 Theft

Karl Jacobson, 56, turned himself in on larceny charges after allegations he stole from department funds.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The former police chief in New Haven, Connecticut, was arrested on Friday on larceny charges following allegations he stole $85,000 from two department accounts. Karl Jacobson, 56, who abruptly retired from the department in January, turned himself in on an arrest warrant and was later released on a $150,000 bond.

Why it matters

An allegation of embezzlement by a police official is a serious matter that can undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system. The case highlights the importance of financial oversight and accountability within law enforcement agencies.

The details

Jacobson is accused of defrauding the New Haven Police Department Narcotic Enforcement Fund, which is used to pay confidential informants, and the New Haven Police Activity League Fund. Bank records showed checks associated with the funds were deposited into Jacobson's personal checking account. Investigators determined Jacobson wagered more than $4.4 million on sports betting apps between January 2025 and January 2026, winning over $4.2 million but losing more than $214,000.

  • Jacobson abruptly retired from the department in January 2026.
  • The embezzlement allegations were first reported to authorities on January 5, 2026.
  • The alleged theft occurred between January 1, 2024, and January 5, 2026.

The players

Karl Jacobson

The 56-year-old former police chief in New Haven, Connecticut, who is accused of stealing $85,000 from department funds.

Patrick J. Griffin

The Chief State's Attorney who said the allegation of embezzlement by a police official is a serious matter that can undermine public confidence.

Justin Elicker

The mayor of New Haven who called the allegations "shocking" and said Jacobson initially admitted to taking $10,000 from only one police account.

Gregory Cerritelli

Jacobson's lawyer, who said he could not respond to the specific allegations yet but urged the public to keep an open mind and avoid a rush to judgment.

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What they’re saying

“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

“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, Jacobson's lawyer

“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.”

— Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Karl Jacobson out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial oversight and accountability within law enforcement agencies to maintain public trust, as well as the need for proactive measures to address gambling addiction issues that can lead to criminal behavior.