Person confesses to sexual crimes targeting boys at summer program
An individual who laced sweets with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
