Man pleads guilty to sex offences targeting young males at summer program
A person who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
