A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
