An individual who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She said the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
