Released police records detail investigation of Wisconsin Center District CEO Marty Brooks after José Pérez complaint

Milwaukee police documents describe allegation, witness interview and prosecutorial review

Milwaukee Police Department records released on Feb. 10, 2026 detail an investigation involving Wisconsin Center District President and CEO Marty Brooks following a complaint by Milwaukee Common Council President José Pérez. Prosecutors ultimately declined to issue criminal charges.

The records summarize Pérez’s account of an encounter he reported as unwanted and sexual in nature. In the initial police report, Pérez said he felt what he described as a sharpness consistent with fingernails during the alleged contact. He told investigators he felt shocked and violated and characterized the act as both sexual and a “power move.” The report also notes Pérez said he did not confront Brooks at the time, explaining he did not want the situation to escalate.

Recorded call and Brooks’ denial

Among the materials in the release is a recorded telephone call placed by Pérez to Brooks on Nov. 11, 2025. During the call, Pérez told Brooks he felt uncomfortable about what had occurred and said he did not want to return to a board meeting without addressing it. Brooks repeatedly asked for clarification and said he did not know what Pérez was referring to.

As the conversation continued, Pérez stated his allegation directly, saying Brooks had pinched his butt. Brooks immediately denied the claim and voiced offense at the accusation, while also suggesting it could have been someone else nearby.

In a subsequent police interview, Brooks again denied touching Pérez inappropriately. The records indicate Brooks told investigators he was not intoxicated at the event and said he had been drinking club soda. He also said he contacted the district’s human resources leadership and directed that an internal investigation be initiated.

Witness account and charging decision

Police also interviewed a witness who was present at the time of the alleged incident. Detectives recorded that the witness said she saw Brooks move his hand toward Pérez’s buttocks but did not clearly see contact. She told investigators she believed contact may have occurred, describing it as a quick motion rather than an extended touch. The witness also described the men as engaged in a good-natured conversation and said neither appeared angry before or after the moment in question. She told detectives that hours later Pérez returned and asked whether she had seen what Brooks did.

The records indicate that on Nov. 24, 2025, the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office informed police it would not process criminal charges, citing concerns about proving required legal elements related to sexual gratification or sexual humiliation.

Institutional context and next steps

The Wisconsin Center District is a governmental entity that owns and operates major public venues in downtown Milwaukee, including the Baird Center, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Miller High Life Theatre. The district’s operations are supported in part by local exposition taxes administered in Milwaukee County, including room, food-and-beverage and rental car taxes.

In a statement issued Feb. 10, 2026, Brooks denied the allegation, said he cooperated with the district attorney’s review, and said the matter did not result in charges.

• Key dates referenced in the records: Oct. 22, 2025 (event night), Nov. 11, 2025 (recorded call), Nov. 24, 2025 (prosecutorial notification), Feb. 10, 2026 (records released and CEO statement).

"I deny the allegation that has been made and have cooperated fully with the review by the District Attorney’s Office, which did not result in charges."