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A man who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.

Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.

Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.

She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.

The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.

"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."

Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.

She stated the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.

"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.

The prosecutor said the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police again.

She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.