A person who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in Leicestershire has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the police once more.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
