A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
