New Haven police chief abruptly retires after allegedly stealing from city fund: mayor

A Connecticut police chief abruptly resigned on Monday after admitting to stealing money from a city fund for personal use, according to authorities.

New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson confessed to stealing from a fund meant to compensate confidential informants for helping cops solve crimes, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker announced during a press conference on Monday.

Jacobson, who has acted as the city’s police chief for over three years, admitted to the scheme after deputies confronted him with irregularities in the fund on Monday morning, the Democratic mayor told reporters.

The money was allegedly swindled for the top cop’s personal expenses.

The amount he stole and the duration of the alleged scheme are not immediately clear.

Jacobson submitted paperwork for his retirement, effective immediately, just before the mayor was scheduled to meet with the chief and place him on administrative leave, Elicker revealed.

“To say this news is a shock is an understatement,” Elicker said.

“No one is above the law … we treat everyone the same. That includes the New Haven Chief of Police,” the mayor said.

No evidence has suggested others were involved in the theft, the mayor added.

Jacobson began working with the New Haven Police Department 15 years ago, moving up the ranks to the top position in the large Connecticut city.

Assistant Chief David Zannelli will now serve as the acting police chief after Jacobson’s departure, Elicker announced.

The state police and the state’s attorney’s office are determining the next steps for an investigation into Jacobson’s alleged crimes, authorities added.