Four arrested in Janesville child neglect case

JANESVILLE, Wis. -- Four people were arrested in connection to a child neglect case in Janesville, according to police. The Rock County Communications Center received two calls at around 1:30 p.m. from concerned residents reporting an unattended young child only wearing a diaper in the 400 block of Center Avenue. Police located the child and transported them to a local medical facility due to their condition. During the investigation, officers identified the child's residence and observed concerning living conditions inside the home. Officers also learned that additional children were residing at the residence. Officials conducted a search warrant and found a 34-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man hiding in the basement behind a furnace under a blanket. The woman reportedly had outstanding warrants with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office, while the man had an outstanding warrant through the Rock County Sheriff's Office. Various items were seized during the search, and both were taken into custody. Law enforcement notified Rock County Child Protective Services, prompting the other children residing in the home to be safely released to a family member. As a result of the investigation, a 37-year-old man was arrested on two counts of child neglect, along with a 40-year-old woman for one count of child neglect. Both individuals remain in custody at the Rock County Sheriff's Office pending their initial court appearances. This incident remains an open and ongoing investigation. No additional information will be released at this time, Janesville police said on Monday. News 3 Now is not naming the suspects at this time as part of a policy not to name people accused of crimes until they have been formally charged in court. Click here to learn more about the policy. COPYRIGHT 2026 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.