A person who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
