Man pleads guilty to sexual crimes involving boys at summer program

An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.

Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.

'Candy game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.

The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.

She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.

Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.

"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."

The legal counsel said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.

She explained the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.

The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.

The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.

She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.