A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police a second time.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
