A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
