A person who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
