An individual who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
