Person pleads guilty to sexual crimes against young males at summer program
A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
