An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson called the police once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
