An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
