A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man continued to play the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
