A man is facing serious accusations for allegedly giving children candy that contained a sedative while they were at a summer camp.
John Ruben, 76, has been charged with three counts of “willful ill treatment of a child” in relation to this troubling incident at Stathern Lodge in England, according to the local police.
On July 27, authorities received a report about children feeling unwell at the camp. Emergency services quickly responded, and eight boys, aged between 8 and 11, along with one adult, were taken to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, all nine individuals have since been discharged.
The charges against Ruben involve three specific children from the camp. He lives around 15 miles from Stathern Lodge, which is equipped with a sports hall and catering facilities. Reports indicate that he was arrested at a nearby pub the day after the incident.
Ruben appeared in court on August 2, where he was ordered to remain in custody until his next hearing, scheduled for August 29. The official charges detail that Ruben is accused of willfully assaulting and neglecting children in a way that could cause unnecessary suffering or harm to their health.
According to a prosecutor, the situation has been shocking and upsetting for the local community, particularly for the affected children and their parents. Police further clarified that the lodge, operated by Christian charity Braithwaite Gospel Trust, is not connected to the incident.
As this investigation continues, authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculation about the case.
