A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
