A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick 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 law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
