An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
