A man who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
