An individual who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
