Former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson charged with embezzling $85,000

Former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson was arrested on theft charges Friday after authorities allege he stole $85,000 from two city funds, prosecutors said.

Karl Jacobson, who left the department in January, turned himself in on an arrest warrant and was later released on a court-set $150,000 bail. He faces two theft charges in connection with alleged fraud involving public funds.

“Allegation of embezzlement by a police officer is a serious matter and potentially undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system,” State Attorney General Patrick J. Griffin said in a statement.

Jacobson’s attorney, Gregory Cerritelli, told Fox News Digital that he could not respond to specific allegations, but noted that “the arrest is not evidence of guilt and the allegations are not evidence.”

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“This is the beginning of a very long process,” he said. “I urge everyone to keep an open mind and avoid hasty judgment.”

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker called the allegations “shocking” at a news conference and said the former police chief initially acknowledged only taking $10,000 from one account.

“We didn’t know how deep this was,” Elicker said, adding that the arrest warrant stated Jacobson had “serious problems” with gambling.

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Authorities allege former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson embezzled $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 loved by so many people arrested for stealing public money, as well as money meant for children,” Elicker said.

Last month, Elicker announced Jacobson’s retirement and said the former chief admitted to taking money from a city fund used to pay confidential informants who helped with narcotics investigations. Associated Press.

Elicker also said the former chief admitted to taking the funds for personal use after three deputies confronted him over financial irregularities.

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The State Attorney General’s Office announced charges against the former New Haven police chief in connection with alleged misuse of funds. (New Haven Police Department)

The State Attorney’s Office said the investigation revealed that $81,500 from the New Haven Police Department Counternarcotics Program Fund was unaccounted for or misappropriated between Jan. 1, 2024, and Jan. 5, 2026.

Prosecutors said bank records show department checks were deposited into Jacobson’s personal checking account.

Investigators also said they found two checks totaling $4,000 that were allegedly embezzled from the New Haven Police Action Corps Fund in December 2025.

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Jacobson was a member of the department for 15 years before serving as police chief for three years.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Jacobson’s attorney for comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.