A man who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
