A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
