Jon Ruben is a 76 years old admitted drugging his wife to sexually assault children at a Christian summer camp in Leicestershire.
Jon Ruben pleaded guilty at Leicester Crown Court to drugging his wife and sexually abusing children at a Christian summer camp (Photo: X)
Jon Ruben, a 76 year old retiree and former practitioner of veterinary medicine, has pleaded guilty to drugging his wife in order to facilitate the sexual assault of children at a Christian summer camp in Leicestershire. The case, to be heard at Leicester Crown Court, indicates a long history of abuse that has been taking place for many years and Ruben ran Stathern Lodge Holiday Camp for over 27 years.
Ruben pleaded guilty to 18 counts including sexual assault of two boys, ill-treatment of six other children, creating indecent images of children and several drug-related crimes. During a four-day period in late July of the previous year, he administered Temazepam to his wife, Susan, 63 year old to keep her under so that he could commit the assaults. The prosecution emphasized that this was premeditated to avoid any interruptions.
Ruben cried during the plea hearing, saying, “I’m so sorry” repeatedly. Prosecutor Mary Prior KC explained that his wife’s disability was deliberate, which would allow him to continue the abuse. Judge Spencer recognized Ruben’s emotional response but made it clear that the seriousness of the offenses could make the sentencing process “a very tough day in your life, and a very long one.”
Temazepam is a potent sedative, was at the center of Ruben’s plan. He is also alleged to have combined the drug with candies to force children. The fact that he deliberately used a sedative indicates a combination of access and planning that enabled him to abuse the children over several nights.
The victims were all minors, whose identities are protected by law, suffering from physical and emotional abuse. The Stathern Children’s Holiday Fund and the community at large are shocked to realize that someone they trusted has been abusing children for many years. The parents and the trustees have the difficult task of rebuilding trust in youth programs.
Ruben is set to be sentenced this Friday. Given the number of victims, the evidence of drug use and the number of crimes committed, a long prison sentence is expected and this case highlights the need for proper care with supervision in institutions that deal with children.
