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.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.