A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
