A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
