An individual who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
