A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
