Former New Haven police chief pleads no contest to stealing $178,000
Karl Jacobson is required to pay restitution to the city for the stolen funds, with a hearing scheduled for Jan. 17, 2027, to determine the exact amount. His sentencing date is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2027.
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Former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson has pleaded no contest to first-degree larceny related to the theft of city funds designated for the department’s confidential informant program.
The state determined that a total of $178,000 was stolen, dating back to 2019.
Jacobson is required to pay restitution to the city for the stolen funds, with a hearing scheduled for Jan. 17, 2027, to determine the exact amount.
Mayor Justin Elicker released the following statement:
“No one is above the law, and that includes the chief of police. The theft and misuse of taxpayer funds was not only a crime, but also a breach of public trust, and former Chief Jacobson is rightly being held accountable for his actions. Since this incident, new policies and protocols have been put in place to ensure funds allocated for the police department’s Confidential Informant program are properly safeguarded and used to investigate and solve crimes, identify criminals, and bring them to justice."
"I want to thank the Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin, New Britain State’s Attorney Christian Watson, DESPP Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, and the Connecticut State Police for their investigation into this matter and working to ensure that former Chief Jacobson is held accountable."
"I also want to commend our Police Chief David Zannelli, Assistant Chief Bertram Ettienne, and Assistant Chief Manmeet Bhagtana, who demonstrated the integrity and professionalism that we expect from our leaders and officers by reporting the former chief’s actions, and who have also stepped up to lead the police department, as we continue to make significant progress in reducing crime and keeping our residents safe.”
Jacobson's sentencing date is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2027.
