A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
