An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
