A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
