Sports
Josh Jacobs seeks court order to keep parts of battery-case file from public view
The Packers running back’s lawsuit asks a judge to block disclosure of records that could reveal a victim’s private information and security details inside his garage. Police are holding records while court challenges proceed.
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs filed a lawsuit Wednesday seeking to stop the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department from releasing some records from a battery investigation involving him.
The complaint says disclosure could expose a crime victim’s private information and details about the security of Jacobs’ home. It asks a judge to block the release of video or images showing the inside of his garage, along with information about its layout, contents and security features.
Jacobs’ attorneys also asked the court to seal unredacted records submitted for judicial review and to require the department to withhold records entirely if redactions would not sufficiently protect the information.
The department notified Jacobs on Oct. 5 that it had decided to release some or all records related to an incident it investigated on May 23, according to the complaint. The files could include reports, recordings, photographs, witness statements and digital evidence. Several people sought the records on or after Sept. 25.
The police department is temporarily withholding the records while legal challenges are pending. Police Chief Michael Renkas said in a letter that the department had determined some material could be released with redactions, but attorneys for people named in the records said they would seek court orders to prevent disclosure. The department said the hold is required under Wisconsin’s public-records process and is not a denial of the requests.
Jacobs pleaded no contest in late September to misdemeanor battery and criminal-damage-to-property charges stemming from the May incident at his home. A judge fined him $1,000 on the battery charge and imposed a deferred judgment on the property-damage charge. That charge is to be dismissed after a year if Jacobs meets conditions including avoiding further criminal conduct and contact with the victim, completing supervision and a battery course, and paying restitution.
Prosecutors said video from Jacobs’ residence corroborated relevant portions of the victim’s account. The victim’s attorneys previously said their client wanted to protect her privacy, particularly after Jacobs took responsibility in the criminal case.
A judge denied a motion to permanently seal video and other evidence in September. The evidence was then turned over to the police department, which is reviewing new public-records requests. The NFL said the matter remains under review under its personal-conduct policy and declined further comment.