A small Illinois community is reeling after police say a 43-year-old mother and hairdresser led a double life that ended in handcuffs. Robyn Polston, from Washington, Illinois, allegedly carried on a secret two-year sexual relationship with her teenage daughter’s 14-year-old boyfriend, resulting in the birth of a child in early 2025.
Investigators say Polston carefully constructed lies to cover her tracks — even posing for a maternity photoshoot with the boy and telling friends conflicting stories about the baby’s father. But a DNA test blew the cover-up wide open, exposing what prosecutors describe as one of the most disturbing cases of betrayal they’ve ever seen.
Timeline of the Crime
April 2024 – The 14-year-old boy, who had moved away, returns to Illinois to stay with friends. Investigators believe this visit marks the timeframe of conception.
January 2025 – Polston gives birth. The baby’s birth certificate lists the infant with the same middle and last name as the teenage boy.
February 2025 – Rumors begin to circulate after Polston’s social media followers notice the maternity photoshoot featuring her and the teen.
March 2025 – A complaint is filed with the Washington Police Department, prompting an official investigation.
April 2025 – Detectives secure phone records and discover a cache of explicit photos and videos shared between Polston and the boy. The two allegedly used burner phones under aliases to communicate.
May 2025 – A DNA test confirms the 14-year-old is the biological father of the child.
November 2025 – Police arrest Robyn Polston at her home, charging her with two counts of criminal sexual assault with a minor and two counts of possession of child pornography.
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The Evidence
- Birth Certificate: The child’s name mirrors the boy’s middle and last name.
- Digital Evidence: Phone records reveal hundreds of explicit images and messages.
- DNA Results: A genetic test confirms the boy fathered the child.
- Witness Statements: Friends and family recount Polston giving inconsistent accounts of the father’s identity, including claims that it was “a man named Brian in his twenties.”
- Cover-Up Attempts: Reports show Polston allegedly pressured the teen to lie to police.
Fact, Rumor, and Speculation
FACTS:
- Robyn Polston, 43, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault and two counts of child pornography possession.
- DNA results confirm the 14-year-old boy is the father of her newborn.
- Investigators uncovered evidence of a two-year illicit relationship.
- Polston was arrested after giving birth in January 2025.
RUMORS:
- Claims that Polston’s daughter knew about the affair and “approved” are false. Authorities say the girl is a victim in this case.
- Online speculation that multiple minors were involved has no supporting evidence in court filings.
SPECULATION:
- Prosecutors allege that Polston’s mother and sister may have enabled the relationship, but no formal charges have yet been filed.
- Investigators believe the alleged relationship began when the boy was as young as 12, but that has not been legally confirmed.
The Human Impact
For the tight-knit community of Washington, Illinois, this case feels like a betrayal that cuts deep. Neighbors describe Robyn as “friendly” and “always talking about her kids.” To many, she was the last person they’d suspect.
“This is beyond shocking,” one former client said. “She cut my hair for years and talked about her family all the time. None of us saw this coming.”
The emotional fallout for the victims involved — both the teenage boy and Polston’s daughter — is devastating. Prosecutors argued in court that Polston cannot be trusted to avoid contact with the teen, noting that her own relatives allegedly encouraged the relationship.
The story has left many asking the same haunting question: How could a mother cross such an unthinkable line?
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What Happens Next
Robyn Polston remains in custody awaiting trial. Prosecutors are pushing for strict no-contact orders with both the teen and her daughter. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has confirmed they are involved in the case.
Investigators say the digital evidence trail is extensive and could lead to additional charges. The child — born from this alleged relationship — is currently in protective custody.
Your Turn
How does a story like this happen in plain sight? Was this manipulation, obsession, or something darker?
Share your thoughts below — join the Real Crime Network community in discussing this shocking case.
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