A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
