A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
