A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
