A person who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the police once more.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
