A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
