A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, 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 told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
