STATEMENT BY MAYOR ELICKER ON FORMER POLICE CHIEF KARL JACOBSON’S NO CONTEST PLEA RELATED TO THE EMBEZZLEMENT OF CITY FUNDS

[NEW HAVEN, CT] - Today, former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson pled nolo contendere (no-contest plea) to one count of first-degree larceny related to the embezzlement of city funds that were designated for the New Haven Police Department's Confidential Informant program. The state determined that a total of $178,000 was stolen, dating back to 2019. Former Chief Jacobson will be required to pay restitution to the city for the stolen funds and a hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2027 to determine the exact amount. Jacobson's sentencing date has been scheduled for January 29, 2027. Following Jacobson's plea, Mayor Elicker issued the following statement:

"No one is above the law and that includes the chief of police. The theft and misuse of taxpayer funds was not only a crime, but also a breach of public trust and former Chief Jacobson is rightly being held accountable for his actions.

Since this incident, new policies and protocols have been put in place to ensure funds allocated for the police department's Confidential Informant program are properly safeguarded and used to investigate and solve crimes, identify criminals and bring them to justice.

I want to thank the Chief State's Attorney Patrick Griffin, New Britain State's Attorney Christian Watson, DESPP Commissioner Ronnell Higgins and the Connecticut State Police for their investigation into this matter and working to ensure that former Chief Jacobson is held accountable.

I also want to commend our Police Chief David Zannelli, Assistant Chief Bertram Ettienne and Assistant Chief Manmeet Bhagtana who demonstrated the integrity and professionalism that we expect from our leaders and officers by reporting the former chief's actions, and who have also stepped up to lead the police department, as we continue to make significant progress in reducing crime and keeping our residents safe."

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Press Contact:

Lenny Speiller | (203) 725-4249; [email protected]