A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
