An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
