A person who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
