A person who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
