JANESVILLE — Two former city of Janesville employees have been arrested, accused of misconduct in connection with the city’s rent assistance program.
Program participants determined to be ineligible are no longer receiving assistance, and improper payments made on behalf of those participants are being recovered.
According to a news relwsse, the City of Janesville identified the alleged misconduct following a comprehensive internal and criminal investigation.
In November 2025, city staff discovered irregularities in the administration of the rent assistance program. In response, the city immediately launched an internal investigation to determine the scope of any potential misconduct. After the suspected employees were identified, they were placed on administrative leave, and their access to City facilities and systems was terminated. Shortly after being placed on leave, both employees resigned from their positions.
After the internal investigation began, the City Administration worked quickly to identify and preserve documentation related to the alleged misconduct. The City asked the Janesville Police Department to initiate a criminal investigation. Detectives reviewed a large volume of documentation, obtained search warrants, and conducted numerous interviews before charges were ultimately determined.
As a result of this coordinated response from administrative staff and law enforcement, detectives arrested the following individuals and are recommending the following charges:
- Rachel D. Jaquest
- 946.12(4) – Misconduct in Public Office (by False Entry, Return, Certificate, Report, or Statement) – 3 Counts
- 943.20(1)(a)(3)(a) – Theft – 1 Count
- Alicia M.J. Alvarado
- 946.12(4) Misconduct in Public Office (by False Entry, Return, Certificate, Report, or Statement) – 3 Counts
Both individuals have been arrested and released with a mandatory court date of May 11 at the Rock County Courthouse. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The City reaffirms its commitment to accountability by taking prompt, decisive action. We will continue to train employees in ethical conduct and conflict of interest requirements, and provide regular management oversight. These measures include ongoing quality control checks of participant eligibility and assistance records.
As this situation continues to be an active legal matter, the City is unable to comment further on specific allegations or pending court proceedings. Additional information will be shared when legally permissible.