A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
