A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
