Man pleads guilty to sexual crimes against children at summer camp
A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She said the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
