New Haven Ex-Chief Pleads No Contest in Theft

Former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson pleaded no contest to one count of first-degree larceny after admitting to taking $178,000 in city money, much of it intended for the police department’s confidential-informant program. An arrest warrant says he wagered nearly $4.5 million on sports-betting apps over about a year and lost more than $214,000. Jacobson is expected to repay the city, with a hearing to determine the restitution amount scheduled for Jan. 17, 2027. He faces up to four years in prison at sentencing on Jan. 29, 2027, and apologized to the mayor, city and officers. City officials say new safeguards have been introduced to better protect informant funds.