An individual who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
