A man who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
