A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
