A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
