A person who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms 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 engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the police again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
