A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
