Man confesses to sex offences involving boys at youth camp
A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
