An individual who laced sweets with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
