Person admits sex offences against children at summer camp
A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
