A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
