A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
