Person confesses to sex offences against young males at summer program
A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
