A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
