An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
