Former New Haven Police Chief Accused of Embezzlement Pleads Not Guilty

Karl Jacobson apologizes to the city and police department as he faces charges of stealing $85,500 from city funds to cover gambling losses.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the stark, gritty investigation into the former police chief's alleged embezzlement.The embezzlement case against a former New Haven police chief exposes the need for tighter financial controls and addiction support within law enforcement.New Haven Today

The former police chief of New Haven, Connecticut, Karl Jacobson, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community. Jacobson is accused of embezzling $85,500 from city funds, including the Narcotics Enforcement Program fund and the Police Activity League Fund, to cover his significant gambling losses. He was arrested in February and has been released on $150,000 bond.

Why it matters

The case has raised concerns about public trust in law enforcement and the need for stronger financial oversight and accountability measures within police departments. It also highlights the growing problem of gambling addiction among public officials and the potential for abuse of power and misuse of public funds.

The details

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Jacobson allegedly used the embezzled funds to cover his personal gambling activity, wagering about $4.46 million through online platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel between January 2025 and January 2026, with net losses totaling around $214,365. Jacobson's assistant police chiefs confronted him in January about the missing money from the police informants fund, and one secretly recorded the meeting, during which Jacobson admitted to taking $10,000.

  • Jacobson was arrested on February 20, 2026 on a warrant charging him with two counts of first-degree larceny.
  • Jacobson pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial on April 18, 2026.
  • Jacobson's next court date is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Karl Jacobson

The former police chief of New Haven, Connecticut, who is accused of embezzling $85,500 from city funds to cover his gambling losses.

Greg Cerritelli

Jacobson's attorney, who entered the not guilty pleas on his behalf and requested a jury trial.

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What they’re saying

“I love the city. I hope the city moves forward. I hope the officers move forward.”

— Karl Jacobson, Former Police Chief

“It's been popping up all over the news, and it was something that I got caught up in. With the ease of having it on the app, I just hope people understand if anything is learned from the cases that are coming up recently, to make sure they take care of themselves.”

— Karl Jacobson, Former Police Chief

What’s next

The prosecutor in the case said he would work with Jacobson's attorney before the next court date on June 2 to determine the exact amount of money allegedly taken.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger financial oversight and accountability measures within police departments to prevent the misuse of public funds and the abuse of power by public officials. It also underscores the growing problem of gambling addiction and its potential impact on the integrity of law enforcement.