A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She explained the man then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
