A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
