A Brown County judge on Thursday rejected a request to permanently seal evidence in the criminal case involving Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, leaving the future of surveillance video tied to the case in the hands of local police. Judge Marc Hammer ruled that the evidence, which includes video from the May incident involving Jacobs and his former girlfriend, should not remain permanently sealed.
Hammer’s decision came after attorneys for Jacobs’ former girlfriend sought to keep the records from public release, citing privacy protections under Wisconsin’s Marsy’s Law. The judge had temporarily sealed the evidence earlier this month after Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charges. He was fined $1,000 for the battery charge, while the property-damage charge was placed under a deferred judgment with conditions including no contact with the victim, supervision, counseling and restitution.
The temporary sealing order will be vacated, and the evidence will be returned to the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department, which will handle future requests for the records on a case-by-case basis. The ruling does not mean the surveillance video will automatically become public. Jacobs and the victim would have an opportunity to appear if authorities determine that records should be released.
The decision could also affect the NFL’s ongoing investigation of Jacobs under its Personal Conduct Policy. The league has sought access to the video as it determines whether additional discipline is warranted. Jacobs remains on the commissioner’s exempt list and is unable to practice or play while the NFL reviews the matter.
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