Man confesses to sexual crimes against young males at summer camp

A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.

Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.

The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.

However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.

Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.

She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.

The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".

She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.

The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.

"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."

The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She said Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.

"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.

The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.

The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police once more.

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