Man admits sexual crimes against young males at summer camp
A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
