Person confesses to sexual crimes involving boys at summer camp
An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
