The Night It Began at a School Dance
In May 2023, inside a junior high school gymnasium in Washington, Illinois, colored lights reflected off polished floors as students gathered for what was meant to be a harmless middle school dance. Music echoed through the room. Parents stood along the walls as chaperones. Laughter carried through the air.
Among the adults present that night was 43-year-old Robyn Polston — a mother and hairdresser from Washington. She was not simply attending. She was serving as a chaperone.
One of the students in attendance was a 14-year-old boy who had taken Polston’s daughter to the dance as her date.
At the time, there were no public allegations of misconduct.
According to a probable cause affidavit later filed in Tazewell County Circuit Court, that dance would eventually become a key reference point in a criminal investigation that unfolded nearly two years later.
In January 2025, Polston gave birth to a newborn.
Shortly afterward, Washington Police Department investigators reportedly received information that triggered an investigation into the identity of the child’s father.
Within a week of the birth, investigators obtained a copy of the newborn’s birth certificate. The document allegedly revealed that the baby had been given the same middle and last name as the teenage boy who had attended that 2023 dance.
When confronted, Polston reportedly told authorities that the father was “a man in his twenties named Brian” and claimed she had not seen him since the child’s birth.
Investigators began reviewing the timeline.
Court records later stated that the teenage boy had moved away from the area shortly after the May 2023 dance. However, he returned to Washington in April 2024 for a visit. That visit, according to investigators, was approximately 40 weeks before Polston gave birth in January 2025 — leading authorities to state that conception was believed to have occurred around April 2024.
The teen reportedly returned again in June 2024 and permanently moved back to the area in August 2024, living with the family of a “friend.”
As the investigation progressed, authorities allege they uncovered a large number of sexually explicit images and videos depicting Polston and the minor. Some of the images were allegedly taken by Polston herself. Prosecutors further alleged that the two used burner phones and fake names in an effort to conceal their identities.
In November 2025, DNA testing confirmed that Polston and the minor were the biological parents of the newborn.
On November 3, 2025, Robyn Polston was arrested.
She was charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault involving a victim between the ages of 13 and 17 and two counts of possession of child pornography. Each charge carries a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years, exposing her to a possible maximum of 60 years if convicted on all four counts.
She was ordered held without bail.
A Mother, A Hairdresser, A Community Member
Robyn Polston, 43, lived in Washington, Illinois, in Tazewell County. She worked as a hairdresser and was known in the community as a mother.
According to reporting, she had previously been married. Her former in-laws, Brendan Polston and Kira Grove, later spoke publicly after the arrest. Grove stated that she learned in 2024 that Polston was pregnant.
Polston’s role as a parent and community member became central to the public reaction once charges were filed.
Authorities have not released the identity of the teenage boy due to his status as a minor.
The Investigation Turns
The major turning point in the case came when DNA testing results were revealed in November 2025.
According to court records and statements presented to the court, genetic testing confirmed that Polston and the minor were the biological parents of the newborn.
Search warrants executed on cellphone accounts reportedly uncovered numerous sexually explicit images and videos involving Polston and the minor. Prosecutors allege that Polston and the teen used burner phones and false names to conceal their communications.
Authorities also alleged that Polston attempted to coerce the minor into helping cover up the relationship.
During detention proceedings, prosecutors argued that Polston could not be relied upon to avoid contact with the minor if released. They further contended that Polston’s mother and sister were enablers of her alleged activity and could not be trusted to keep her and the minor apart.
Associate Judge Derek Asbury ordered that Polston remain in custody while the case is pending.
Law Enforcement Efforts and Court Proceedings
The Washington Police Department led the investigation. The case was later presented in Tazewell County Circuit Court.
On November 5, 2025, a probable cause affidavit was filed in the circuit clerk’s office outlining the allegations and investigative findings.
During a court appearance in Tazewell County Circuit Court, Polston appeared wearing a black and white jail jumpsuit, secured with a waist belt holding her wrist shackles. She spoke only briefly during the hearing.
Her attorney, John Lonergan, stated he had received some of the evidence and expected more to follow. He entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf and demanded a jury trial.
Formal arraignment was scheduled for December 4, 2025.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for January 22.
As of the latest court update, she has not entered a guilty plea and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What Is Officially Confirmed
Confirmed facts based on court records and reporting:
- Robyn Polston, 43, gave birth to a newborn in January 2025.
- The newborn was given the same middle and last name as the teenage boy who attended a May 2023 dance with Polston’s daughter.
- DNA testing confirmed Polston and the minor are the biological parents of the newborn.
- Polston is charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault involving a victim between 13 and 17 and two counts of possession of child pornography.
- Each charge carries up to 15 years in prison.
- She was arrested on November 3, 2025.
- A probable cause affidavit was filed November 5, 2025.
- She entered a not guilty plea and demanded a jury trial.
- She is being held without bail pending trial.
- Formal arraignment is set for December 4, 2025.
- Next court appearance is scheduled for January 22.
Lingering Questions
- When did the alleged relationship first begin?
- Were there additional instances of alleged contact beyond those outlined in court filings?
- What evidence will be presented at trial regarding the alleged coercion or coverup?
- How long were burner phones allegedly used?
- Will additional charges be filed as the investigation continues?
Individuals Central to the Case
Robyn Polston – Defendant – 43-year-old Washington, Illinois mother and hairdresser charged with criminal sexual assault and possession of child pornography.
Name: Withheld (Minor Victim) – Alleged Victim / Biological Father – Teenage boy who attended a junior high dance with Polston’s daughter and was later confirmed by DNA testing to be the biological father of the newborn.
Brendan Polston – Former In-Law – Spoke publicly following the arrest.
Kira Grove – Former In-Law – Stated she learned in 2024 that Polston was pregnant.
John Lonergan – Defense Attorney – Entered a not guilty plea and demanded a jury trial.