Crime
43-year-old Robyn Polston Allegedly Pregnant by Daughter’s 14-Year-Old Ex-Boyfriend, Gives Birth in Washington, Illinois
Update: Washington Police have arrested one person after an alleged sexual relationship with a minor.
Police say 43-year-old Robyn Polston was arrested Monday for Criminal Sexual Assault and Child Pornography.
Washington Police says the investigation began after a complaint came in alleging the sexual relationship.
Police say the investigation involved interviews, several search warrants, as well as biological and digital evidence.
Polston was taken to the Tazewell County Jail.
Original Report:
Questions continue to circulate in Washington, Illinois, regarding the case of 43-year-old Robyn Polston, a mother accused of grooming and sexually abusing her teenage daughter’s 14-year-old ex-boyfriend, ultimately becoming pregnant.
Despite widespread public concern, Polston has not been arrested or charged, as authorities await the results of a DNA test that could take several more months to process.
According to investigators, Polston allegedly manipulated the teenager into moving in with her after misrepresenting her intentions to the boy’s grandparents.
She is accused of engaging in a months-long sexual relationship with him, during which she became pregnant.
Photos that have surfaced online show Polston posing in a maternity shoot alongside the boy, allegedly telling the photographer that he was 25 years old but “just had a baby face.”
Additional allegations suggest that Polston had the child baptized and gave the baby the teenage victim’s last name.
In a separate instance, she reportedly shared details in a breastfeeding support group, describing the baby’s father’s height and weight, further fueling outrage among community members who believe the case is being mishandled.
Authorities have confirmed that a DNA sample was collected approximately four months ago.
However, because the analysis must go through a state crime lab currently facing severe backlogs, investigators caution that results could take up to six months to complete.
The Washington Police Department has stated that they cannot move forward with charges until the DNA test confirms the paternity of the child.
Meanwhile, Polston remains free, while the alleged victim—now living in a nearby town—continues to attend high school.
Critics argue that if the roles were reversed and a man were accused of impregnating a 14-year-old girl, an arrest would have occurred immediately. Community members have expressed frustration toward both the State’s Attorney’s Office and the Washington Police Department for the delay in accountability.
The case has sparked heated debate about how allegations of sexual abuse are handled when the accused is female, as well as the broader challenges posed by forensic backlogs in serious criminal investigations.
Authorities have not provided an updated timeline but have reiterated that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
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.