Disgraced Lieutenant’s Promotion Amid Harassment Claims

In a startling turn of events, Karl Ebbighausen, a former police lieutenant in Hartford, Vermont, finds himself at the center of controversy. Despite credible accusations of sexual harassment, he was promoted to commander of the newly created community outreach division shortly before his retirement. This promotion occurred under the watch of former Police Chief Greg Sheldon, who retired just months before the complaints were filed against Ebbighausen with the Vermont Criminal Justice Council.

Ebbighausen’s career spanned decades in Upper Valley law enforcement, marking a long-standing presence within the community until his departure in March 2025. The promotion to lieutenant came in November 2023, during Sheldon’s tenure as chief—a position Sheldon held for only two years after moving from Rutland where he managed a similar outreach division.

The community outreach division, created by Sheldon, aimed to address critical social issues such as drug abuse, homelessness, and mental illness, necessitating a significant reorganization within the Hartford Police Department. This division included roles like a data analyst and liaisons with local nonprofits—the Clara Martin Center and Health Care and Rehabilitation Services.

However, Ebbighausen’s actions cast a shadow over this initiative. The Vermont Criminal Justice Council revoked his law enforcement certification after substantiating claims of sexual harassment. Despite these grave allegations, details surrounding the misconduct remain elusive as attempts to contact Ebbighausen have been unsuccessful.

The department faced considerable leadership changes during the alleged period of misconduct—from July 2022 until March 2025—highlighting a turbulent time for Hartford’s police force. Constance Kelly, who now serves as the permanent chief, succeeded Sheldon and emphasized revisiting policies related to harassment, fostering an environment where employees feel safe reporting any issues.

The town’s response to such allegations involves thorough investigation and appropriate disciplinary actions if necessary. This commitment extends to ongoing training sessions designed to prevent future incidents. However, transparency in these matters remains a concern, with officials often citing personnel confidentiality as a limiting factor for public disclosure.

This incident raises critical questions about the mechanisms in place for addressing misconduct within law enforcement and underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and trust between police departments and the communities they serve.

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