NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson admitted to stealing and misusing public funds, Mayor Justin Elicker announced Monday.
Jacobson allegedly admitted to taking money from a city fund used for confidential informants, according to Elicker. The fund provides money to people who share information with police during criminal investigations.
Several officers noticed irregularities with Jacobson’s use of the fund and contacted their supervisors, according to Elicker.
The money was utilized for personal use, Elicker said.
Jacobson was confronted Monday morning at police headquarters by the three assistant chiefs, and he admitted to taking the funds for personal use.
Jacobson filed paperwork for his retirement, effectively immediately, prior to meeting with Elicker. The mayor was planning to put Jacobson on administrative leave.
“To say this news is a shock is an understatement,” Elicker said.
In response to Jacobson’s departure, Assistant Chief David Zannelli will serve as acting police chief until further notice.
“This has been an incredibly challenging day for us,” Zannelli said. “We acted immediately, and rest assured, the process does work. When police officers see something here that they think is inappropriate, they act immediately.”
Jacobson’s current contract was scheduled to conclude at the end of January.
Elicker said there is no evidence that anyone else is involved at this time.
The mayor could not comment on the amount of money allegedly stolen or how long Jacobson allegedly stole from the fund.
The state police and the state’s attorney’s office are in discussions about what agency is most appropriate to lead the investigation, according to Elicker.