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Former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson has been arrested on charges of larceny, accused of embezzling $85,000 from two municipal funds, according to prosecutors.
Jacobson, who resigned from his position in January, voluntarily surrendered himself following an arrest warrant. He was released on a $150,000 bail set by the court and now faces two counts of larceny related to alleged misuse of public funds.
“An accusation of embezzlement by a police officer is a grave issue that could potentially erode public trust in the criminal justice system,” stated Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin in a public announcement.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Jacobson’s attorney, Gregory Cerritelli, refrained from commenting on the specific allegations, emphasizing that “an arrest does not equate to guilt, and allegations are not proof.”
Jacobson’s arrest has stirred attention, highlighting concerns over the integrity of those in law enforcement positions. (Image: City of New Haven via AP)
“This is the beginning of a very long process,” he stated. “I urge everyone to keep an open mind and avoid a rush to judgment.”
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker called the allegations “shocking” during a news conference, and he said the former police chief had at first only admitted taking $10,000 from one account.
“We didn’t know how deep this went,” Elicker said, adding that the arrest warrant outlined that Jacobson had “severe issues” with gambling.
Authorities allege former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson misappropriated $85,000 from two city funds. (New Haven Police Department)
“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,” Elicker said.
Last month, Elicker announced Jacobson’s retirement, saying the former chief acknowledged taking money from a city fund used to pay confidential informants who assist in narcotics investigations, according to The Associated Press.
Elicker also said the former chief had confessed to taking the funds for personal use after being confronted by three of his deputies over financial irregularities.
The State’s Attorney’s Office announced charges against the former New Haven police chief in connection with alleged fund misuse. (New Haven Police Department)
The State’s Attorney’s Office said the investigation revealed that $81,500 was unaccounted for or misappropriated from the New Haven Police Department Narcotic Enforcement Program Fund between Jan. 1, 2024, and Jan. 5, 2026.Â
Bank records show that department checks were deposited into Jacobson’s personal checking account, prosecutors said.
Investigators said they also found two checks totaling $4,000 were allegedly embezzled from the New Haven Police Activity League Fund in December 2025.
Jacobson was a member of the department for 15 years before serving a three-year stint as police chief.
Fox News Digital reached out to Jacobson’s attorney for comment.