The Hobart-Lawrence Police Department has confirmed that many investigation records related to Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs’ misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property case could be released to the public, but only after a court ruling due to objections from attorneys involved in the matter.
Jacobs pleaded no contest on September 10 in Brown County Circuit Court to charges stemming from an incident on May 23 in Hobart involving an ex-girlfriend. Judge Marc Hammer, presiding over the case, stated on September 24 that Wisconsin’s open records law generally favors public access, but the police department must balance the rights of the public, the defendant, and the victim when deciding which records to disclose.
After reviewing the case files, the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department said some documents, including those acquired through subpoenas and search warrants, could be released with redactions to protect sensitive information. Police reports and footage from body-worn cameras and squad cameras can be shared as they are. However, attorneys representing one or both parties have filed motions seeking court orders to block the disclosure of certain records, including broader investigation materials.
The department has not provided a timeline for when records will be released to media outlets such as the Press-Gazette, noting that statutory waiting periods and any applicable court orders must be observed. As of October 13, no court date had been set to settle the dispute over the public release of these documents.
One piece of evidence drawing particular attention is a security video from Jacobs’ home, where much of the incident reportedly took place. This footage is believed to be among the records obtained via subpoena or search warrant. The NFL reportedly wants to review this video before deciding on the length of Jacobs’ suspension. Jacobs is currently on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list, barring him from playing or practicing with the Packers. He has missed five games this season and is not expected to play in the upcoming October 18 game against the Dallas Cowboys. NFL Network and ESPN reporter Ian Rapoport revealed on September 13 that the league is awaiting the security footage from Jacobs’ residence as part of its investigation.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur said on October 12 that he had no information regarding the NFL’s ongoing inquiry.
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, has expressed concern that personally identifying details could become public if the records are released. The police department’s balancing test is meant to weigh such concerns alongside the public’s right to know.
In court, Jacobs accepted a plea agreement on September 10 that included a $1,000 fine and court costs for the battery charge. For the criminal damage to property charge, Judge Hammer ordered no contact with the victim, restitution payments, counseling attendance, and one year of supervision.
The case remains under judicial review as lawyers continue to seek court intervention to limit the release of investigation documents. No hearing date has been announced to resolve these disputes, leaving the public’s access to the records uncertain for now.
According to Yahoo Sports.