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New Haven Pauses Informant Program After Police Chief Admits Taking Funds

State police with an outside prosecutor now lead the inquiry after the city froze the informant account.

Overview

  • Former Chief Karl Jacobson retired effective immediately after admitting he took money for personal use from a fund that pays confidential informants.
  • The city halted the confidential informant program and froze the related bank account while it reviews policies, financial controls, and other similar accounts.
  • Assistant Chief David Zannelli, who helped confront Jacobson about irregularities, has been appointed acting chief.
  • Connecticut State Police are conducting the investigation, and Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin appointed New Britain State’s Attorney Christian M. Watson to oversee it to avoid conflicts.
  • Officials have not said how much was taken or over what period, though a law enforcement source suggested the total could exceed $10,000 and investigators will assess whether anyone else was involved.