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.
Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer, a 26-year-old survivor of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, died by suicide on December 15, according to a statement shared by his family.
Metayer had endured significant mental health challenges for several years following the traumatic attack that claimed the lives of 17 people.
Metayer was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School at the time of the February 14, 2018 shooting.
His family said the trauma of that day, coupled with the loss of classmates and the long-term psychological effects of the event, profoundly altered the trajectory of his life.
In the years that followed, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and struggled with depression, survivor’s guilt, emotional instability, and extended periods of isolation.
Despite these challenges, Metayer remained deeply loved by his family, who described him as intelligent, humorous, and compassionate. He underwent years of treatment that included therapy, psychiatric care, medication, and multiple hospitalizations related to suicidal ideation.
His sister, who shared the news of his death publicly, said he fought a seven-year battle with mental illness.
In recent years, Metayer made notable efforts to rebuild his life. He earned an information technology certification, secured employment at Office Depot, and received ongoing care through the Henderson Behavioral Health Clinic and a private psychiatrist.
His family said these steps reflected his determination to move forward despite persistent struggles.
Following a mental health crisis in 2021, Metayer was legally prohibited from purchasing a firearm under a Risk Protection Order.
That order expired earlier this month.
According to his family, within days of the order lapsing, he legally obtained a handgun and died by suicide at his home.
In the wake of his death, Metayer’s family has established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and to create a fund in his name at the Henderson Behavioral Health Clinic.
The fund is intended to support individuals facing behavioral health challenges and to improve access to mental health care in Florida.
His family said they hope his story serves as a reminder of the long-term effects of trauma and the urgent need for sustained mental health support, particularly for survivors of mass violence.
Those close to Metayer emphasized that his life mattered and that his death underscores the ongoing mental health crisis affecting young people across the country.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or thoughts of suicide, help is available.
In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.