A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
