An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor 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 informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the police again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
