Former New Haven Police Chief Charged in $4.5M Gambling Scandal

Jacobson confessed to a secret online sports betting addiction that led him to steal from department funds.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:05am

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An extreme close-up of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the vandalism of self-driving cars.The shattered remains of a smartphone screen reflect the devastating impact of a police chief's secret gambling addiction.New Haven Today

Karl R. Jacobson, the former police chief of New Haven, Connecticut, has been arrested on charges of larceny after it was revealed that he had a secret $4.46 million gambling addiction. Jacobson, who had a seemingly successful law enforcement career, confessed his addiction to his deputies in January 2026, shortly before retiring. Investigators found that he had been taking money from a department account used to pay informants, as well as funds from the city's Police Activity League, to fuel his online sports betting habit on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel.

Why it matters

Jacobson's downfall highlights the growing issue of gambling addiction, especially with the rise of online and mobile sports betting platforms. His case has rippled through the city of New Haven and sparked a national discussion about the accessibility and dangers of instantaneous, app-based gambling. As more states legalize online gambling, concerns are mounting about the potential for abuse, particularly among public officials and law enforcement.

The details

Jacobson, who had been police chief since 2022, was on the cusp of reappointment when his deputies confronted him about his gambling problem in January 2026. He admitted to them that he had been wagering about $4.46 million on DraftKings and FanDuel accounts over the previous year, resulting in a net loss of $214,365. Jacobson also confessed to taking money from a department account used to pay confidential informants, as well as $4,000 from the city's Police Activity League funds. He retired within hours of the confrontation and was arrested a little over a month later on charges of first-degree larceny.

  • In December 2025, Jacobson asked a lieutenant for a $500 loan and left an IOU note, indicating the department account he controlled was empty.
  • In January 2026, three of Jacobson's deputies confronted him about his gambling addiction, which he admitted to them.
  • Jacobson retired from the New Haven Police Department in January 2026, shortly after confessing to his gambling problem.
  • Jacobson was arrested on charges of first-degree larceny in February 2026, about a month after his retirement.

The players

Karl R. Jacobson

The former police chief of New Haven, Connecticut, who had a secret $4.46 million gambling addiction that led to his abrupt retirement and arrest on larceny charges.

Gregory Cerritelli

Jacobson's lawyer, who stated that Jacobson is not his first client with a similar gambling addiction story and that the ease of online gambling has 'destroyed a lot of lives.'

Diana Goode

The executive director of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, who noted that the legalization of online gambling in Connecticut has led to a 50% increase in calls to the council's help line since 2021.

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What they’re saying

“I have a problem. I fix my alcohol problem. I turned to gambling. I don't know why it just got worse recently.”

— Karl R. Jacobson, Former Police Chief

“Especially now with the ease at which gambling could take place, many people are affected by this and it has destroyed a lot of lives.”

— Gregory Cerritelli, Jacobson's Lawyer

“Now, everyone has a casino in their house. You add some alcohol and some marijuana and some gambling and there are a lot of decisions that are being made but with speeds that people don't understand.”

— Diana Goode, Executive Director, Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling

What’s next

Jacobson is scheduled to appear in court next week, where a judge will determine whether he will be allowed to post bail. The case has sparked renewed calls for tighter regulations on online gambling platforms and increased resources for problem gambling treatment.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact of gambling addiction, especially with the rise of online and mobile sports betting platforms that can enable public officials and law enforcement to abuse their positions of trust. It underscores the need for greater awareness, prevention, and treatment resources to address this growing societal issue.