A man who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
