An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
