New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson abruptly retired Monday after Mayor Justin Elicker said Jacobson admitted taking money from a city fund meant to compensate confidential informants. Three deputies confronted Jacobson about financial irregularities, and Assistant Chief David Zannelli was named interim chief. City officials say it is unclear how much was taken or for how long, and they are cooperating with state investigators. The development follows a period of turmoil in the department stemming from a 2022 incident in which a man was paralyzed while in a police van.
New Haven Police Chief Abruptly Retires After Admitting He Took Informants' Funds, Mayor Says
FILE - This undated photo provided by the City of New Haven, Conn., shows Police Chief Karl Jacobson. (City of New Haven via AP,File)
New Haven, Conn. — Police Chief Karl Jacobson abruptly submitted retirement paperwork Monday after Mayor Justin Elicker announced that Jacobson admitted to taking money from a city account intended to compensate confidential informants.
According to Mayor Elicker, Jacobson acknowledged using the funds for personal purposes when three of his deputies confronted him Monday morning about apparent financial irregularities in the informants' account. The mayor said city officials are cooperating with state investigators who have opened an inquiry into the matter.
"No one is above the law," Elicker said at an evening news conference at police headquarters. "We put our trust in law enforcement to uphold the law, not to violate the law themselves."
Jacobson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. He had served as New Haven police chief since July 2022 and had been with the department for 15 years prior to his appointment. Assistant Police Chief David Zannelli — one of the officers who confronted Jacobson about the funds — was named interim chief.
Investigation and Unclear Details
Elicker said it remains unclear how much money was taken or over what period, and indicated there is no immediate evidence others were involved. City officials have notified and are cooperating with state investigators, and internal reviews are expected to follow.
Context: Department Turmoil
Jacobson became chief shortly after a high-profile 2022 incident in which Richard "Randy" Cox was paralyzed while riding in the back of a New Haven police van. Five officers were arrested in connection with Cox's mistreatment; Jacobson recommended firing four of those officers, and the city's police commissioners terminated them. A fifth officer retired before discipline could proceed, and one of the fired officers later won reinstatement on appeal.
The abrupt retirement and the allegations have reignited scrutiny of the police department's leadership and finances. City leaders have emphasized transparency and cooperation with investigators as they seek to determine the scope of the misconduct and any necessary disciplinary or legal action.
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