A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the police once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
