Mayor Says New Haven Police Chief Confessed to Stealing City’s Money

New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson abruptly retired Monday after admitting he stole money from a city fund designated to pay confidential informants, according to city officials, as reported by The New York Post.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker announced the development during a press conference, confirming that Jacobson confessed to taking money from a fund used to compensate informants who assist police investigations.

The mayor said the theft was for Jacobson’s personal expenses.

New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson resigned Monday amid “allegations of theft and the misuse of public funds,” the mayor’s office announced Monday evening. https://t.co/y6CU2oyJsL

— New Haven Indy (@newhavenindy) January 5, 2026

Jacobson, who had served as New Haven’s police chief for more than three years and spent roughly 15 years with the department overall, admitted to the misconduct after city officials identified irregularities in the handling of the informant fund.

According to Elicker, deputies confronted Jacobson about the discrepancies during a meeting Monday morning.

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The mayor said Jacobson submitted retirement paperwork effective immediately just before Elicker planned to meet with him and place him on administrative leave.

“To say this news is a shock is an understatement,” Elicker said during the press conference. “No one is above the law … we treat everyone the same. That includes the New Haven Chief of Police.”

Officials have not yet disclosed how much money was taken or over what period the alleged theft occurred. Elicker said there is currently no evidence suggesting that any other individuals were involved in the misuse of the funds.

The stolen money came from a city-controlled account intended specifically to pay confidential informants, a key investigative tool used by police departments to gather information related to criminal activity.

Elicker did not provide details about how the irregularities were discovered but said they prompted immediate action once identified.

New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson abruptly retires after allegedly stealing from city fund https://t.co/tD2lh9GwHr pic.twitter.com/iD6WRAHFd4

— Félix Victorino (@donfelixspm) January 6, 2026

Following Jacobson’s departure, Assistant Chief David Zannelli was named acting chief of the New Haven Police Department, according to the mayor.

Elicker said the Connecticut State Police and the state’s attorney’s office are now determining the next steps in the investigation.

Authorities did not announce whether criminal charges have been filed, but confirmed that the matter has been referred for further review.

Jacobson joined the New Haven Police Department approximately 15 years ago and worked his way through the ranks before being appointed chief.

During his tenure, he oversaw policing operations in one of Connecticut’s largest cities. His sudden departure marks a significant leadership change for the department.

City officials said they will cooperate fully with state investigators as the review continues. No timeline has been provided for the completion of the investigation or for any potential legal proceedings related to the alleged theft.

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