Man confesses to sexual offenses targeting children at youth camp
An individual who laced candy with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
