A man who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member called the police again.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
