A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
