A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
