Context:

The former New Haven police chief was arrested on two counts of larceny for allegedly stealing about $85,000 from department funds, following his abrupt January retirement and subsequent admission after being confronted by deputies. Authorities say he diverted money from a narcotics fund used to pay confidential informants, with bank records showing checks deposited to his personal account. The case underscores a breach of public trust and is unfolding as prosecutors pursue the charges and investigate the scope of the irregularities. The timeline spans 2024–2026, with authorities reporting the initial embezzlement claim and a formal pursuit of accountability. Next steps include ongoing legal proceedings and further scrutiny of internal controls.

Dive Deeper:

• The former chief was arrested on Friday on two counts of larceny related to defrauding a public community, after turning himself in on an arrest warrant and being released on a $150,000 bond.

• Officials allege he stole about $85,000 from two New Haven Police Department funds, with misappropriation traced to the Narcotics Enforcement Fund used to pay confidential informants.

• State records indicate $81,500 was unaccounted for from the Narcotics Enforcement Fund between January 1, 2024 and January 5, 2026, and bank records showed checks from that fund deposited into his personal checking account.

• Two checks totaling $4,000 were withdrawn from the New Haven Police Activity League Fund in December 2025 and were later found in his personal account, suggesting personal use of the money.

• Jacobson had served 15 years with the New Haven department before being named chief, and he previously spent nine years with the East Providence Police Department in Rhode Island; his retirement was announced earlier in January.

• Mayor Justin Elicker described the allegations as shocking and a betrayal of public trust, while Chief State's Attorney Patrick J. Griffin emphasized the seriousness of embezzlement by a police official.