A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
