A person who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed 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 stepson contacted the police once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
