A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the police a second time.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
