Man pleads guilty to sexual crimes targeting young males at summer program

Courtroom illustration Legal proceedings
Jon Ruben admitted 17 charges at the judicial center on Friday

A person who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility 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 Friday.

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

The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Candy game'

Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.

She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.

The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.

She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.

The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.

"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."

The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.

She said the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.

"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.

The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.

Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities a second time.

She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.

Robert Duran
Robert Duran

Certified fitness trainer and nutritionist passionate about helping others achieve their wellness goals through practical advice.