An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities a second time.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
