A person who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
