Packers' Josh Jacobs released from custody, investigation continues

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is out of jail and is not facing charges — at least for now.

Domestic disturbance arrest

The latest:

Hobart/Lawrence police arrested Jacobs on Tuesday, May 26, in connection with a domestic violence case after he turned himself in.

Online jail records Tuesday showed Jacobs could face two counts of felony strangulation and four misdemeanors: battery, disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property and intimidating a victim.

The Hobart/Lawrence Police Department said it was called about a disturbance at around 8:37 a.m. on Saturday, May 23. Jacobs was arrested on Tuesday as a result of the investigation.

As of Wednesday, no charges had been filed.

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The Brown County District Attorney’s Office released Jacobs from custody Wednesday, saying prosecutors need more evidence before deciding whether to file charges.

In a statement Wednesday, Brown County District Attorney David Lasee said that his office "is not yet prepared to make a formal charging decision," and the "investigation remains open and ongoing," adding that Jacobs will be released from custody at this time.

"After reviewing the available evidence in this case, the Brown County District Attorney’s Office is not yet prepared to make a formal charging decision," the statement read. "Our office has requested additional investigation, as there is reason to believe that additional evidence may exist that would impact whether criminal charges are appropriate, and what charges would be issued. Mr. Jacobs will be released from custody at this time, and a final charging decision will be made by our office at a later date."

If charges are filed against Jacobs, he would be called to appear in court at a later date.

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Local perspective:

Defense attorney Jonathan LaVoy, of Kim & LaVoy, said it is common for prosecutors in Wisconsin to ask for more evidence before making a charging decision, especially in a high-profile case.

"It's not a situation that they're doing anything special for him," he said. "I think that they're just making sure that if they're going to charge a Green Bay Packer, they want to make sure that they have the evidence to support the charge."

LaVoy said detectives could be waiting on medical records or digital evidence, including surveillance video, to help prosecutors make their decision.

"When it's a he said, she said situation with a Green Bay Packer, he comes to the table with a lot of credibility with prospective jurors," LaVoy said. "So, if I'm the DA looking at this case, I'm thinking about what is the corroborative evidence?"

LaVoy said he expects a charging decision to come within a few weeks. State law gives prosecutors six years to make that decision on felony cases.

Response to arrest

What they're saying:

Attorneys David Chesnoff, Richard Schonfeld and Clarence Duchan represent Jacobs. In a statement responding to the district attorney's announcement, they wrote:

"We are extremely pleased that Josh has been released from custody and that no criminal charges have been filed against him. As we previously stated, we encourage everyone to keep an open mind while the matter is fully reviewed. We remain confident that, once all of the evidence is gathered and evaluated, it will confirm that no charges should be brought against Josh in the future."

In a statement Tuesday night, a Packers spokesperson said: "We are aware of the matter involving Josh Jacobs. As it is an ongoing legal situation, we will withhold further comment."

Head coach Matt LaFleur on Wednesday addressed the situation. He opened his comments by saying he was going to stick with the organization's statement and "let the process play out," adding, "I'm not going to elaborate on anything."

LaVoy said he expects a charging decision to come within a few weeks. State law gives prosecutors six years to make that decision on felony cases.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported the NFL was also aware of the situation.

Josh Jacobs

By the numbers:

The Raiders selected Jacobs in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he played his first five NFL seasons there before signing with the Packers as a free agent in 2024.

Jacobs started all 17 games in his first season in Green Bay, amassing 1,329 rushing yards and a career-best 15 touchdowns in a Pro Bowl season. He tallied 929 yards and 13 touchdowns over 15 games last season.

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