Man confesses to sexual offenses targeting children at summer program
A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
