An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
