Man admits sexual crimes targeting children at summer program
A person who laced treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
