A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
