A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
