City Meeting Summary: Testimony in Benitez Trial - March 18, 2026

The commission continued phase one of the Benitez trial, hearing testimony from two witnesses: Dr. Colin Christensen, a physical therapist who treated Christopher Benitez, and Sergeant Misty Taylor, the health and safety officer for the Milwaukee Police Department. The testimony focused on Benitez's medical condition, FMLA requests, and interactions with the medical section.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dr. Colin Christensen, a physical therapist at Kinetic Quest, testified that he treated Benitez for concussion, whiplash, and cervicogenic headaches starting September 6, 2022, after a referral from a sports neurologist. He stated that Benitez had a neck mobility deficit of 40-50% and a Neck Disability Index score of 42%, indicating moderate disability. Christensen noted that the mechanism of injury was a motor vehicle accident while on duty as a police officer. He testified that the prognosis was good, with expected recovery within 6-12 months. He could not recall specific treatment details without clinical notes. Under cross-examination, he stated that cervicogenic headaches and whiplash disorders generally have a favorable prognosis. He did not see Benitez after September 2022, as his care was transferred to another therapist.
• Sergeant Misty Taylor, the health and safety officer for the MPD Medical Section, testified about Benitez's FMLA requests and her role as the chief's designee. She stated that Benitez had been on limited duty for three years due to an on-duty injury. She described a situation where Benitez was found working full-duty overtime events while on limited duty, which she considered a liability. Taylor testified that Benitez's request for a hybrid schedule (two days full duty, three days limited duty) was not accommodated because the doctor's note was contradictory and did not specify restrictions. She also stated that Corvell, a third-party administrator for workers' compensation, handled the on-duty injury and that she relied on their communication for restrictions. Taylor acknowledged that she had not seen the full IME report (Exhibits E21 and E22) and that a prior report she received was destroyed on instruction from DER. She testified that Benitez's FMLA requests were denied due to incomplete medical certification, but that he was never prohibited from reapplying. Under cross-examination, Taylor stated that the department did not have an SOP for prioritizing the IME over the employee's physician, but she relied on guidance from Corvell.

Discussion Items

• The commission discussed scheduling for the continuation of the trial, including potential dates for further testimony and closing arguments.

Key Outcomes

• No decisions or votes were taken. The trial was adjourned to continue on April 10, 2026, pending witness availability and room scheduling.