An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
