Packers star Josh Jacobs sues to seal battery case evidence

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 21:50 · Archive

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is suing a Wisconsin police department to keep records from his battery case permanently sealed.

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has sued the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department in Brown County, Wisconsin, seeking a permanent injunction to seal evidence and records from his battery case. Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property following an altercation with his then-girlfriend on 23 May at his home. Prosecutors presented corroborating evidence including surveillance video from his garage. He was ordered last month to attend counselling and pay restitution to the victim.

The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, seeks to prevent the public release of investigative materials including police reports, dispatch records, photographs, audio and video recordings, witness statements and digital evidence. Jacobs argues that the records contain information about his property and private residence. His attorney, Clarence Duchac, cited a motion filed by the victim's own attorneys in September to seal the records, stating that Jacobs 'joins and supports' their position that sensitive materials should not be publicly released.

Jacobs' complaint further argues that public policy favours protecting crime victims' privacy and that disclosure could expose the victim to further suffering. The filing also claimed that releasing the records could make him a target for robbery, noting that 'public sports figures have been targeted for robbery and related property crimes'. A district judge cancelled a temporary order sealing the evidence at the victim's request last month, leaving the decision to the police department, which has so far refused to release the materials publicly.

How it is being reported

• Packers’ Josh Jacobs sues local police in desperate attempt to block alleged attack videoThe Green Bay Packers star is now suing the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department.New York Post · 15 Oct, 21:32
• Packers star Josh Jacobs sues to have evidence from domestic abuse case permanently sealedGreen Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is suing a Wisconsin police department in an effort to keep records and evidence from his battery case permanently sealed.Daily Mail Sport · 15 Oct, 20:39

In this story: Josh Jacobs · Green Bay Packers · Hobart-Lawrence Police Department · Wisconsin · Brown County · Clarence Duchac

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