A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
