An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
