An individual who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
