Jon Ruben: Detectives ‘will never know full history of offending’ of camp leader who drugged and sexually abused children
Detectives fear a former vet who drugged and sexually abused children at a Christian summer camp may have many more victims.
Jon Ruben was jailed for 23 years on Friday after admitting sexually assaulting two boys after lacing sweets with a sedative drug at Stathern Lodge in Leicestershire.
He also pleaded guilty to child cruelty in relation to six other victims and drugging his wife so she wouldn’t wake up while the abuse was taking place at a rural camp last July.
The case has shaken the local community in Nottinghamshire, where the 76-year-old is widely respected not only for his run of the summer camp for more than 27 years, but also for his work with local schools and church groups.
Now, following his sentencing for crimes committed in July, Leicestershire Police have warned there may be more victims and are actively appealing for anyone who thinks they may have been harmed by Ruben to come forward.
Interim Detective Inspector Neil Holden admitted he did not know the full history of Ruben’s offending.
He said: “We will never know the full history of crimes that John Rubin was potentially involved in. I would therefore appeal to anyone who is a victim or witness of any crime to please come forward and speak to the police.”
Asked if this could turn into a “major historical abuse case,” he said: “Absolutely, potentially yes.”
He added: “We know he is involved in the community, educational institutions and church groups in Nottinghamshire – so we also work very closely with Nottinghamshire Police and social care and health in Nottingham.”
Ruben performed a number of veterinary surgeries in Nottinghamshire before retiring. It is believed that he later retrained as a teacher and worked in many schools. He also volunteered at his local church in Ruddington, a village outside Nottingham.
The police investigation into Ruben’s potential previous offenses is being carried out with the support of Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and the NHS.
A statement from the bodies Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Child Protection Partnerships said: “The issues raised in the John Ruben case are extremely distressing and will understandably cause serious concern in local communities. All agencies are focusing on the children and families involved to support their welfare and ensure their protection.”
“Any previous contact John Ruben had with young people, including working as a teacher in schools in the city and county, is the subject of an ongoing police investigation.”
The organization said there would also be a multi-agency review commissioned by Child Safeguarding Partnerships.
A dispute line has been set up so people can report online Here or by calling 101.
