Man confesses to sexual offenses against children at youth camp
A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
