An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
