An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they 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 youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
