A person who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
