An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
