Individual confesses to sexual crimes targeting children at youth camp
A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
