Judge rejects request to permanently seal evidence in criminal case of Packers’ RB Josh Jacobs

Judge Marc Hammer of Brown County on Thursday rejected a request to permanently seal evidence in the criminal case involving Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, leaving the surveillance footage tied to the case in the hands of local police. Hammer’s decision came after attorneys for Jacobs’ former girlfriend sought to keep the records from national release, citing privacy protections under Wisconsin’s Marsy’s Law. The judge had temporarily sealed the evidence earlier this period after Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charges; he was fined $1,000 for the battery offense, while the property‑damage complaint was placed under a deferred judgement requiring no contact with the victim, supervision, counseling and restitution. The evidence, which includes video from the May incident involving Jacobs and his former girlfriend, should not remain permanently sealed. The temporary sealing order will be vacated, and the evidence will be returned to the Hobart‑Lawrence Police Department, which will handle any 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 object if authorities determine that the records should be released. The determination 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 decides whether further discipline is warranted. Jacobs remains on the commissioner’s exempt list and is unable to sign or play while the NFL reviews the matter. Editorial credit: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com