A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
