Authorities in Tazewell County, Illinois, announced on November 3, 2025, that Robyn Polston, 43, of Washington, has been taken into custody on multiple felony counts related to an investigation stemming from her January 2025 childbirth. Polston faces two charges of criminal sexual assault involving a minor between the ages of 13 and 17, along with two counts of possession of material depicting a minor in a prohibited context, according to court documents filed in Tazewell County Circuit Court. The case, which began as a routine hospital inquiry, has drawn widespread attention due to its connections to a local junior high event earlier in the year.

The sequence of events traces back to a junior high dance at Washington Junior High School in May 2024, where Polston served as a chaperone. Her daughter, a student at the school, attended the event with a 14-year-old male classmate as her date. Court affidavits detail that Polston, in her supervisory role, interacted closely with attendees, including the young man in question. Following the dance, investigators allege that Polston developed a personal relationship with the minor, leading to the birth of a child in January 2025. DNA testing, conducted as part of the hospital’s standard protocol for unidentified fathers, confirmed the teenager as the biological parent, prompting an immediate report to the Washington Police Department.

Polston’s arrest occurred without incident at her residence, where officers executed a search warrant. The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office assisted in securing the scene, and Polston was transported to the county jail, where she is being held on a $500,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 17, pending review by a grand jury. Washington Police Chief David Miller addressed the community in a brief statement, emphasizing the department’s commitment to thorough investigations while withholding specifics to protect ongoing proceedings and the privacy of minors involved. “We appreciate the public’s patience as we work through this sensitive matter,” Miller said.

The investigation unfolded methodically after the hospital notification. Staff at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria followed mandatory reporting guidelines under Illinois law, which requires disclosure of potential child endangerment or involvement of minors in parental matters. Social services coordinated with law enforcement, leading to interviews with the family and the teenager, who is now 15. School records and event logs from the dance corroborated initial timelines, including photographs and attendance sheets showing Polston’s active participation. Additional digital evidence, including communications recovered from devices, supported the allegations, though details remain sealed to comply with juvenile protections.

Polston, a longtime resident of Washington with no prior criminal history, worked part-time as a school volunteer and was involved in PTA activities. Neighbors described her as outgoing and dedicated to her children’s education, often organizing community events. The family includes the daughter, now 14, and two younger siblings. Child protective services from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) have placed the children in temporary care with relatives, with regular welfare checks in place. A DCFS spokesperson confirmed the agency’s involvement but declined further comment, citing confidentiality.

Legal experts familiar with similar cases in Illinois note the seriousness of the charges under the state’s Criminal Code. Criminal sexual assault with a minor carries a potential sentence of 6 to 30 years per count, with mandatory minimums due to the age disparity. Possession charges add up to 15 years each, and convictions could result in lifetime registration under sex offender statutes. Defense attorney Laura Mitchell, not affiliated with the case, explained to local media that such proceedings prioritize victim support, including counseling for the minor and family members. “The focus is on accountability while ensuring healing for all affected,” she said.

Community response in Washington, a town of about 16,000 residents midway between Peoria and Bloomington, has been one of quiet shock. The junior high school, serving grades 6 through 8, issued a letter to parents on November 4, outlining enhanced chaperone training and background check protocols for future events. Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Hoffman emphasized student safety: “We are reviewing all volunteer guidelines to maintain a secure environment for our kids.” Local churches and youth groups have stepped up with support sessions, offering resources for families navigating unexpected challenges.

This incident adds to national conversations about adult responsibilities in school settings. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reports over 29,000 tips related to online enticement annually, with many originating from trusted community figures. Illinois’ SAFE-T Act, implemented in 2023, strengthens reporting requirements for educators and volunteers, mandating immediate disclosures of suspected misconduct. Tazewell County State’s Attorney Stewart Pandazis vowed to pursue justice: “Our office stands with victims and works diligently to uphold community standards.”

Broader implications touch on family dynamics and preventive education. Organizations like Prevent Child Abuse Illinois advocate for open dialogues in households, providing workshops on recognizing boundary issues. Schools nationwide, including Washington Junior High, have adopted curricula like Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children, training adults on protective measures. Data from the U.S. Department of Education shows that 10% of abuse reports involve acquaintances in supervisory roles, underscoring the need for vigilance without fostering distrust.

Polston’s court-appointed counsel has requested a mental health evaluation, a standard step in such cases to inform bail considerations. Preliminary filings indicate no flight risk, but the bond reflects the charges’ gravity. The newborn, now 10 months old, is in state custody pending placement decisions, with DCFS prioritizing kinship care. The teenager’s family has received referrals to counseling services through the Tazewell County Health Department, which expanded its youth mental health programs in 2024 following similar regional incidents.

Media coverage, led by outlets like the Peoria Journal Star and national wires, has balanced factual reporting with sensitivity. Social media trends under #WashingtonILCase have amplified calls for reform, with over 50,000 engagements in the first 48 hours. Users shared resources from RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), which operates a 24/7 hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. Advocacy groups praised the quick response time, from birth to arrest spanning less than 10 months, as a model for efficient inter-agency collaboration.

In the weeks ahead, the case may influence local policy. Tazewell County commissioners plan a public forum on volunteer oversight, inviting input from parents and experts. Illinois lawmakers, already debating expansions to the Child Abuse Prevention Act, could reference this event in upcoming sessions. For the school district, the focus remains on normalcy: classes proceeded uninterrupted, with counselors available on-site.

The ripple effects extend to the broader Midwest, where hot-button issues like age-appropriate relationships often spark debates. Faith leaders in Washington, home to several evangelical congregations, hosted prayer vigils emphasizing forgiveness and prevention. One pastor told reporters, “This reminds us to nurture trust while guarding our young ones.”

As the legal process advances, support networks continue to mobilize. The Tazewell County Victim Services Division offers no-cost assistance, from transportation to court to emotional aid. National partners like the National Children’s Alliance provide forensic interviewing for minors, ensuring trauma-informed approaches.

This unfolding story serves as a cautionary chapter for communities everywhere: roles of trust demand unwavering integrity. While details emerge slowly to protect privacy, the emphasis stays on education, empathy, and systemic safeguards. For the families at the center, resources abound—hotlines, therapy, and community arms open wide.

Authorities remind the public that speculation hinders justice; official channels provide verified updates. As November’s chill settles over Illinois, Washington presses forward, committed to healing and heightened awareness. The path to resolution may be long, but collective resolve offers hope amid complexity.