Crime
Robyn Polston Arrested for Alleged Sexual Relationship with Minor
WASHINGTON, Ill. — The Washington Police Department has arrested a 43-year-old woman following an extensive investigation into allegations of a sexual relationship with a minor.
According to police, Robyn Polston, 43, of Washington, was taken into custody on Monday and charged with Criminal Sexual Assault and Child Pornography.
She was booked into the Tazewell County Jail pending further court proceedings.
Authorities said the investigation began after police received a formal complaint alleging an inappropriate sexual relationship between Polston and a teenage boy.
Detectives conducted multiple interviews, executed several search warrants, and collected both biological and digital evidence as part of the case.
The allegations against Polston first surfaced earlier this year.
According to initial reports, Polston, a local hairstylist and mother of two teenagers, allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with her teenage daughter’s 14-year-old ex-boyfriend.
Investigators believe Polston groomed the boy over time, eventually moving him into her home after misleading his grandparents about her intentions.
The alleged abuse continued for several months, during which Polston reportedly became pregnant.
During her pregnancy, Polston allegedly told clients and acquaintances that the baby’s father was serving overseas in the military.
Witnesses later told investigators they frequently saw a young boy accompanying her and that she claimed he was her boyfriend’s younger brother.
Suspicion grew when someone recognized the boy from a middle school yearbook, identifying him as her daughter’s former boyfriend.
Further reports indicate that Polston had a maternity photo shoot with the boy, allegedly telling the photographer that he was 25 years old but “looked young for his age.”
The boy was reportedly present for prenatal appointments and at the time of the child’s birth.
Earlier in the investigation, police stated they were awaiting DNA test results to confirm the paternity of the child before proceeding with formal charges.
The testing process, handled through the state crime lab, was expected to take several months due to a significant backlog.
Following the receipt of key evidence, authorities confirmed Polston’s arrest on charges related to the alleged sexual assault and exploitation of the minor.
The Washington Police Department emphasized that the case remains active and that additional charges may be considered as the investigation continues.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.