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.
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning during a domestic altercation at an apartment on Mel Smith Road, located in an unincorporated area outside New Albany.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) received the initial emergency call at approximately 5:39 a.m. on November 15, 2025, reporting a disturbance involving family members.
While officers were en route, additional information indicated that shots had been fired inside the residence.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a domestic situation involving a mother and her two adult sons.
Officers immediately secured the scene and began administering medical aid to one of the men who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The second male remained at the location and cooperated fully with responding officers.
The injured individual was transported to a nearby hospital; however, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Detectives with the Floyd County Criminal Investigations Division (CID) have taken over the case and processed the scene for evidence.
Early findings suggest the shooting may have occurred in self-defense, though officials emphasize that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities state that additional updates will be released as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
The case remains active.