A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
