A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
