Title: Lieutenant Promoted Amidst Harassment Claims in Hartford

In a recent development that has stirred the community, former police lieutenant Karl Ebbighausen of the Hartford Police Department found himself at the center of controversy. Despite being credibly accused and subsequently losing his law enforcement certification for sexual harassment, Ebbighausen was promoted during the same period he faced these allegations.

Ebbighausen’s career spanned decades in Upper Valley law enforcement before his retirement in March 2025. His promotion to lieutenant by then-Chief Greg Sheldon occurred just a year prior, in November 2023, marking him as commander of Hartford’s newly established community outreach division—a unit focusing on critical societal issues such as drug abuse, homelessness, and mental illness.

The unfolding of events coincided with the leadership transition within the department. After Chief Sheldon’s retirement in February 2025, Constance Kelly stepped in as acting chief, followed by her permanent appointment later that March. This period was marked by upheaval, with sexual harassment complaints against Ebbighausen reaching Vermont’s Criminal Justice Council in June 2025.

The council subsequently revoked Ebbighausen’s certification, concluding a stipulation agreement which detailed his misconduct. Despite the gravity of these findings, efforts to reach Ebbighausen for comment were unsuccessful, and town officials have maintained silence regarding the allegations’ specifics.

Chief Kelly, taking charge amid this controversy, has expressed her commitment to fostering an “open workplace” where any discomfort or concerns can be freely reported. While acknowledging that no institution is immune to such issues among humans, she emphasized ongoing policy evaluations as part of her leadership approach.

The Hartford Police Department, along with the town’s administration, continues to navigate these challenging waters, reaffirming their dedication to thorough investigations and appropriate actions in response to harassment allegations. With an emphasis on training and preventive measures, they strive to maintain a professional environment that upholds the dignity and respect owed to every individual associated with the department.

The community watches closely as leadership reassesses its approach to fostering a safe workplace, ensuring accountability, transparency, and integrity remain at the forefront of their operations. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of ethical conduct within law enforcement agencies.

Original article source: Valley News