Former New Haven Police Chief Arrested on Larceny Charges for Alleged Embezzlement of City Funds
The former New Haven Police Chief, Karl Jacobson, was arrested on larceny charges for allegedly stealing $85,000 from two city funds. Jacobson turned himself in on an arrest warrant and was released on a $150,000 bond. The charges against him involve fraud related to public funds.
Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin stated that an allegation of embezzlement by a police official is a serious matter that could undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system. Jacobson's lawyer, Gregory Cerritelli, emphasized that an arrest does not indicate guilt and urged people to keep an open mind.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker expressed shock at the allegations during a news conference. He revealed that Jacobson initially admitted to taking $10,000 from one account but later discovered the extent of the theft. The arrest warrant indicated that Jacobson had gambling issues.
Elicker described the situation as a sad day for the city, as the former police chief, who was well-liked, was arrested for misappropriating public and children's funds. Jacobson had retired the previous month after admitting to taking money from a city fund used for narcotics investigations.
The investigation revealed that $81,500 was unaccounted for or misappropriated from the New Haven Police Department Narcotic Enforcement Program Fund between 2024 and 2026. Bank records showed that department checks were deposited into Jacobson's personal account. Additionally, two checks totaling $4,000 were allegedly embezzled from the New Haven Police Activity League Fund in December 2025.
Jacobson had been a member of the department for 15 years before serving as police chief for three years. Fox News Digital reached out to Jacobson's attorney for comment on the matter. The Associated Press contributed to the report.
In conclusion, the arrest of former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson on larceny charges for allegedly stealing funds from city accounts has raised concerns about public trust in the criminal justice system. The investigation into the misappropriation of funds from the police department and children's programs has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement.