A person who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
