Individual admits sex offences against boys at youth camp
A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
