An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
