A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
