A man 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 boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
