A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
