Man admits sexual offenses targeting boys at summer program

Courtroom illustration Legal proceedings
Jon Ruben confessed to 17 criminal counts at the judicial center on Friday

An individual who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.

The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.

Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.

The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.

She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.

Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".

She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.

She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.

The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.

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

The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.

She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.

The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.

The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities again.

She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.

Gloria Hill
Gloria Hill

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