The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A former police chief in New Haven, Connecticut, was arrested last week after being accused of taking money from two police department accounts.
The authorities reported that the former chief had served in the role for approximately three years and previously worked for the department for 15 years. The 56-year-old turned himself in on an arrest warrant and was later released after posting a $150,000 bond. He is currently facing two counts of larceny related to allegedly defrauding a public community.
According to the state prosecutor’s office, the city first reported financial irregularities on January 5, and the Connecticut State Police began an investigation. They reportedly determined that approximately $81,500 was unaccounted for or allegedly misappropriated from the New Haven Police Department’s Narcotic Enforcement Fund between January 1, 2024, and January 5, 2026. The fund is used to pay confidential informants who assist in narcotics investigations.
It was also alleged that the former chief had direct access to the fund, and bank records reportedly showed checks connected to the account were deposited into his personal checking account. The authorities also stated that two additional checks totaling $4,000 were allegedly withdrawn from the New Haven Police Activity League Fund in late December 2025 and were reportedly deposited into his personal account. Investigators indicated that no other department employees were involved.
According to reports, city officials were alerted after deputies confronted the former chief about the alleged financial discrepancies. During that discussion, he reportedly acknowledged taking money and allegedly indicated he had been spending heavily on sports betting apps. Investigators later determined that more than $4.4 million was reportedly wagered through online betting accounts over a one-year period, resulting in a loss of more than $214,000.
The investigation remains ongoing.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.