An individual who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
