A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
