A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
