A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
