A man who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
