Individual confesses to sexual offenses involving young males at summer program
A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
