A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
