Summer Camp Leader Confesses to Drugging Wife, Assaulting Children
A summer camp leader has confessed to drugging both his wife and children during a series of horrific abuse incidents. Jon Ruben, 76, has admitted to administering drugs to children at Stathern Lodge in Leicestershire, where he ran a holiday camp for nearly three decades.
Confession and Admission of Guilt
Ruben’s disturbing actions were revealed during a plea hearing at Leicester Crown Court. He sobbed as he admitted to drugging his wife, Susan Ruben, with the substance Temazepam between July 26 and 29 last year. His intention was to keep her unconscious while he sexually assaulted children.
Charges Against Ruben
- Sexually assaulted two boys under 13 years old.
- Committed acts of child cruelty against six children.
- Charged with eight counts of child cruelty.
- Faced three counts of making indecent images of children.
- Endured four counts related to drug offenses.
In November 2023, Ruben pleaded guilty to various charges, including sexual assault of a child under 13 and assault by penetration. The court also heard about the negative effects experienced by some children who fell ill after playing his so-called “sweet game,” where he laced sweets with tranquilizing drugs.
Details of the Abuse
Prosecutor Mary Prior KC detailed that several youngsters became ill after the game, exhibiting slurred speech, difficulty walking, and compromised consciousness. Children frequently felt unwell the morning after playing, but Ruben downplayed their symptoms as being “overwrought.” He was arrested in July 2023, following reports of eight children requiring hospital treatment.
Investigation and Evidence
The investigation began when Ruben’s stepson raised concerns regarding suspicious findings during the camp. These included baby oil, syringes containing a white powder, and other questionable items. Subsequent police intervention led to the recovery of liquid Xanax, which was found to have been administered to some victims.
Sentencing Implications
Ruben’s sentencing is scheduled for Friday, with Judge Timothy Spencer KC indicating that it would be a “very tough day” for the defendant. El-Balad aims to keep the community informed about significant legal matters, ensuring that justice prevails against such abhorrent acts.
Disconnected Operators
Leicestershire Police stated that the owners and operators of Stathern Lodge were independent and had no connection to Ruben’s crimes. The charges of indecent images admitted to by Ruben involved 50 Category A videos, 22 Category B videos, and seven Category C videos created between August 2022 and June 2023. Notably, none of these images related to children attending the summer camp.
The community is left reeling as the case highlights the need for vigilance and accountability to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
