A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
