A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.
