Records release related to Josh Jacobs battery case delayed over pending legal challenge

HOBART, Wis. — The Hobart-Lawrence Police Department plans to delay the release of the video records connected to the battery case involving Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs.

A letter in response to a WTMJ records request says the decision stems from an October 5 written notice from attorneys representing the record subjects “of their intentions to seek judicial orders restraining disclosure”. The letter states a department review determined certain records could be released with redactions included.

Read the full response below:

Following the Court’s direction on September 24, 2026, the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department completed its review and balancing test of the responsive records, determining that certain records could be released with appropriate redactions.

On October 5, 2026, the Department issued the required notices to the record subjects of its decision under Wis. Stat.§ 19.356 concerning records obtained through subpoenas and search warrants. Since issuing those notices, the Department has received written notifications from attorneys representing the record subjects of their intentions to seek judicial orders restraining disclosure, including objections concerning the broader investigative records.

These records are therefore subject to the statutory release waiting period and any judicial proceedings under§ 19.356. This process is separate from the general timeframe for responding to public records requests. The Department also provided courtesy notification of its intent to release additional records, including police reports, body-worn camera recordings, and squad camera recordings. Accordingly, the Department is temporarily withholding all responsive records in accordance with the statutory waiting period and any applicable court orders.

This temporary hold does not constitute a denial of your request or a reversal of the Department’s balancing-test determination. Records not independently subject to§ 19.356 remain under review for release as soon as legally appropriate.

The Department recognizes its obligation under Wis. Stat.§ 19.35(4)(a) to respond to public records requests as soon as practicable and without delay. Wisconsin law does not establish a fixed 10-day response deadline, and the Department continues to process this request in accordance with its statutory obligations.

We will provide further updates as the legal proceedings develop and the Department determines when the responsive records may be released. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

The status of public records requests have been in limbo for several weeks following a Brown County judge’s ruling September 24 that denied a motion by attorneys representing Jacobs’ ex-girlfriend to have records including video footage permanently sealed.

In his ruling, Judge Marc Hammer granted the Village of Hobart-Lawrence Police Department discretion to analyze requests for records by utilizing the balancing test.

“I’m satisfied in this case that justice can be accomplished first by following the procedure set out [by] Wisconsin open meeting law,” said Hammer.

Jacobs previously pleaded no contest to battery and criminal damage to property. Under the plea agreement, he will serve no jail time but must pay a $1,000 fine and complete several conditions, including having no contact with the victim, completing a battery course and paying restitution.

According to the criminal complaint, a 911 call from a neighbor during the early morning hours of May 23 told Hobart-Lawrence police she heard “swearing” and “yelling” coming from Jacobs’ home.

The victim told police she was looking through Jacobs’ phone, and became upset after seeing conversations with other women.

Jacobs then allegedly grabbed her arm and threw her to the ground in the garage, causing her to hit her head. Court documents show he then took her phone and damaged it.

Prosecutors said security footage from the home appears to validate the woman’s account, according to the complaint. When police arrived, they observed redness on her face and neck and a bump on the back of her head.

The NFL has reportedly been attempting to access video footage in the case to assist in determining possible disciplinary action against Jacobs. The 28-year-old remains on the Commissioner’s exempt list, barring him from practicing or playing in games.

“The matter remains under review of the personal conduct policy,” said chief NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy in a statement. “We will decline further comment.”

WTMJ has reached out to Jacobs’ attorneys for comment.

As for what comes next, attorney Brian Randall with the law firm Amundsen Davis tells WTMJ’s Wisconsin’s Morning News a window of 10 days exists for a lawsuit attempting to block the release or records to be filed.

“We’re in a guessing game right now of whether or not that has been done,” said Randall. “That could happen from now to perhaps as late as next week because the law relates to when the records subjects received their notice.”