An individual who contaminated sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
