The Hobart-Lawrence Police Department said Oct. 13 that many of the investigation records in the Josh Jacobs case can be given to the public, but will require a court ruling because attorneys object to their release.
Green Bay Packers running back Jacobs pleaded no contest Sept. 10 in Brown County Circuit Court to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charges stemming from a May 23 incident in Hobart with an ex-girlfriend.
Brown County Judge Marc Hammer said Sept. 24 that Wisconsin open records law favors public access, but it would be up to the Hobart/Lawrence Police Department to apply a balancing test between the rights of the public, the defendant and the victim in deciding whether to release records.
The department said its review determined that certain records, including those obtained through subpoenas and search warrants, could be released with appropriate redactions. Other records, including police reports, body-worn camera recordings and squad camera recordings, can be released as they are.
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Attorneys representing one or both parties in the case notified the department they would seek court orders “restraining disclosure” of records, including “broader investigation records.”
The department did not say when records would be released to entities that made open records requests, including the Press-Gazette, in accordance with statutory waiting periods and applicable court orders. As of Oct. 13, a court date had not been scheduled.
Of particular interest is a security video from Jacobs’ home, where the incident mostly happened. The video presumably is among records obtained by subpoena or search warrant.
Jacobs, the Packers’ No. 1 running back, is on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list, which means he is suspended from practicing or playing with the team. He missed five games so far this season and is not expected to play Oct. 18 against the Dallas Cowboys. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network/ESPN reported on Sept. 13 that the NFL wants to see security video from the home before deciding on how long Jacobs should be suspended.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Oct. 12 he had no information on the NFL’s investigation.
The victim, who has not been named, is concerned that personally identifying information could be made public if the records are released.
For the battery charge, Hammer on Sept. 10 accepted Jacobs’ plea and the mutually recommended fine of $1,000 and court costs. For the criminal damage to property charge, he was ordered to not have contact with the victim, pay restitution, attend counseling and be under supervision for one year.
Contact Richard Ryman at [email protected]. Follow him on X at @RichRymanPG and on Instagram at @rrymanPG.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Attorneys hope to block records release in Josh Jacobs battery case