New Haven Restarts CI Program After Ex-Chief Stole $85K for Sports Betting
Former Police Chief Karl Jacobson wagered $4.46 million online; new audits and a $87,000 outside review aim to prevent future misuse
PublishedMarch 4, 2026
New Haven Police Department
New Haven Restarts Confidential Informant Program Under New Oversight
New Haven has restarted its confidential informant program after suspending it in the wake of a fraud scandal involving former Police Chief Karl Jacobson, who was arrested in February for allegedly stealing more than $85,000 from city police funds to cover sports betting losses.
City officials announced the program's resumption on February 19, 2026, alongside a series of temporary oversight measures and a contract with a national law enforcement policy organization to develop a permanent, reformed policy.
$85,000 Stolen Over Two Years
Jacobson, who led the New Haven Police Department before abruptly retiring in January 2026, is accused of stealing $81,500 from the department's Narcotic Enforcement Program fund between January 2024 and January 2026, and an additional $4,000 from the Police Activity League fund in December 2025.
An arrest warrant released February 20 revealed the scale of Jacobson's gambling: records from DraftKings and FanDuel showed he placed $4.46 million in online sports wagers between January 1, 2025, and January 5, 2026, losing a total of $214,365.
Jacobson's theft was discovered after three assistant chiefs confronted him about missing funds during a recorded meeting on January 5, 2026. He admitted during that meeting to spending too much money on gambling and said he was seeking help. Rather than face administrative leave, Jacobson retired abruptly shortly after.
He turned himself in to state police in Montville on February 20 and was charged with two counts of first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community. He was released on $150,000 bond. His case is scheduled for New Haven state court on March 6.
New Temporary Safeguards
Acting Police Chief David Zannelli and Mayor Justin Elicker outlined interim oversight measures enacted alongside the program's restart. The temporary special order requires:
Monthly audits of the confidential informant fund
Separation of audit and fund management duties
Secure digital tracking of all fund transactions
Exclusive authority of the Chief Administrative Officer to approve fund replenishment, adding a layer of civilian oversight
"This was not just about one individual — it exposed systemic vulnerabilities that we are now addressing," Elicker said, indicating that the reforms were designed to address structural weaknesses that allowed the theft to go undetected for nearly two years.
$87,000 Contract for Policy Overhaul
The city has contracted the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that works with law enforcement agencies nationwide, for $87,000. PERF will conduct a six-month review of the department's confidential informant program and develop a permanent policy built around best practices.
PERF's engagement signals that New Haven is seeking to rebuild institutional credibility through an outside expert review rather than relying solely on internal reforms. The organization has worked with police departments across the country on policy development and accountability measures.
The confidential informant program is a core investigative tool used by law enforcement in narcotics and violent crime cases. New Haven's program had been suspended since early January, when the Jacobson investigation came to light.
State Police Investigation Ongoing
The state police investigation into Jacobson's conduct remains active. Further charges have not been ruled out as investigators continue to review financial records. The state's attorney's office has not made any additional announcements.
The New Haven Police Commission and Board of Alders have not announced any public hearings on the CI program's restart or on the oversight failures that enabled the theft to go undetected over a roughly two-year period.
