An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
