Accused of stealing money from a city account for his personal use, New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson filed for retirement suddenly on Monday.
Mayor Justin Elicker says Jacobson admitted to the theft when he was confronted by his three assistant chiefs about irregularities in the account, which is used to pay confidential informants.
“Chief Jacobson was subsequently called in to meet with me, where I intended to put him on administrative leave as we initiated an investigation,” said Elicker. “Just prior to that meeting, Chief Jacobson submitted his paperwork to retire, effective today (Monday).”
It’s unknown how much money was taken, according to the mayor, who said that’s part of the investigation.
“To say that this news is a shock is an understatement,” said Elicker. “It’s a betrayal of public trust. No one is above the law.”
The mayor appointed Assistant Chief David Zannelli to the position of interim chief. He’s been a member of the NHPD since 2008.
Jacobson had been chief since 2022 and was nearing the end of his current employment contract.