Illinois Hairstylist Arrested After Alleged Sexual Relationship With 14-Year-Old
Location & Incident Overview
In Washington, Illinois, the local Washington Police Department (WPD) has arrested Robyn Polston, age 43, on multiple serious charges stemming from an alleged sexual relationship with a minor. According to police, the complaint triggered an investigation into the relationship between Polston and the teenage ex-boyfriend of her daughter.
Victims & Allegations
The primary victim is a 14-year-old boy, identified in the investigation as the former boyfriend of Polston’s teenage daughter. Investigators say that Polston allegedly groomed the boy over time and eventually moved him into her home, under false pretenses, misleading the boy’s grandparents about her intentions.
During the period the boy lived there, it is alleged the sexual relationship occurred and lasted for several months. According to the complaint, Polston became pregnant during that time.
The teenage daughter and her identity are not disclosed in public records for legal and privacy reasons. Polston is also a mother of two teenagers; no allegations have been made against her children — the focus is entirely on the relationship with the younger male.
Charges & Investigative Actions
Polston has been charged with Criminal Sexual Assault and Child Pornography. She was booked into the Tazewell County Jail, awaiting further court proceedings.
The investigation by WPD involved multiple components:
- Formal complaint alleging the inappropriate relationship.
 - Numerous interviews with the minor, his guardians, and other potential witnesses.
 - Search warrants executed at Polston’s residence and perhaps elsewhere, resulting in the collection of biological and digital evidence.
 - Analysis of electronic devices and storage media to support the child pornography charge.
 
Although social-media speculation about the case had circulated for some time, official confirmations came only when the arrest was made.
Background & Context
According to police, the investigation began earlier this year when the complaint was lodged. Authorities say Polston is a local hairstylist by profession. She is a resident of Washington, Illinois, and she is a mother. Details indicate she may have moved the teenage boy into her home and may have falsely represented her motivations to the boy’s grandparents.
Social media posts had speculated that Polston had become pregnant by the 14-year-old ex-boyfriend of her daughter and that the boy was living in Polston’s home. Some of these posts went viral in the Washington area, but police emphasise that the formal investigation is based on evidence, not rumor.
One Facebook commentary referenced the matter explicitly:
“Pregnant by her daughter’s 14 year old ex boyfriend? Robyn Polston … allegedly moved her teen daughter’s ex into her home.” (facebook.com)
However, social-media posts cannot replace official evidence; authorities emphasise the charges are based on formal findings.
Next Steps & Legal Process
Polston remains in custody at the Tazewell County Jail. The formal court process will determine bail (if any), preliminary hearings, potential grand jury involvement, and eventually a trial if the case proceeds.
Because one of the charges is child pornography, digital-evidence procedures will be key. Prosecutors may present device-extracted data, metadata, photographs, or video recordings. The criminal sexual assault charge is particularly serious because it involves a minor and an adult in a relationship prohibited by law — such cases often carry significant prison time if conviction follows.
Given the alleged grooming behaviour and residence-move into her home, prosecutors may argue aggravating factors, which could increase penalty exposure. The defence may challenge the evidence chain, the validity of search warrants, or attempt to negotiate plea arrangements. The minor’s identity is legally protected; thus, public reports refer only generally to “teenage boy” or “14-year-old.”
Community Reaction & Implications
The Washington community has been shaken by the allegations. A number of social‐media posts spread rapidly, reflecting public concern and speculation. Officials emphasise that investigations involving minors are sensitive, and they took care to safeguard the victim’s privacy and to avoid prejudicial publicity.
Local counselling services and victim-support agencies may become involved, given the traumatic nature of grooming and abuse allegations. The case also raises questions about adult–minor boundaries, parental oversight, and the responsibilities of caretakers and professional adults working with minors.
For the hairstyling business where Polston worked, there may be reputational fallout; for the local law enforcement, this case underscores the complexity of investigating adult/minor sexual relationships, especially when digital evidence and grooming behaviours are involved.
Summary
In short: In Washington, Illinois, 43-year-old hairstylist Robyn Polston is under arrest for alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old boy (the former boyfriend of her daughter), plus child-pornography charges. Police say the relationship involved grooming, a move into her home, and months of alleged abuse — culminating in pregnancy. Investigators collected biological and digital evidence; Polston is currently in jail awaiting court. The case is under formal criminal process, with serious legal consequences ahead.





