2 Former Janesville City Employees Accused of Misconduct

Charges allege false reporting and theft in rent assistance program

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled financial document, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The harsh flash illuminates the details of a financial document, exposing alleged irregularities in a city's rent assistance program.Janesville Today

Two former employees of the City of Janesville, Wisconsin have been charged with misconduct in public office and theft related to alleged irregularities in the city's rent assistance program. An internal investigation led to the women being placed on leave and later resigning, before a criminal probe resulted in their arrests.

Why it matters

The charges against the former city workers highlight the importance of oversight and accountability in government assistance programs, which are intended to help those in need. The alleged misconduct raises concerns about potential misuse of public funds and the need for robust controls to prevent fraud.

The details

According to authorities, Rachel D. Jaquest faces three counts of misconduct in public office by false entry and one count of theft, while Alicia M.J. Alvarado faces three counts of misconduct in public office by false entry. The charges stem from an internal investigation by the city that uncovered alleged irregularities in the rent assistance program, leading to the women being placed on leave and later resigning. Detectives then launched a criminal probe, reviewing documents and conducting interviews before the arrests.

  • In November 2025, city staff discovered alleged irregularities in the rent assistance program.
  • Shortly before resigning, Jaquest and Alvarado were placed on administrative leave.
  • Jaquest and Alvarado have court dates scheduled for May 11 at the Rock County Courthouse.

The players

Rachel D. Jaquest

A former City of Janesville employee charged with three counts of misconduct in public office by false entry and one count of theft related to the rent assistance program.

Alicia M.J. Alvarado

A former City of Janesville employee charged with three counts of misconduct in public office by false entry related to the rent assistance program.

City of Janesville

The local government in Janesville, Wisconsin that operated the rent assistance program at the center of the alleged misconduct.

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What’s next

The judge will determine if Jaquest and Alvarado will be allowed to remain free on bail ahead of their May 11 court appearances.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of robust oversight and controls in government assistance programs to prevent potential misuse of public funds and maintain public trust. The alleged misconduct by the former city employees underscores the need for rigorous auditing and accountability measures.