A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
Maya Chen is a seasoned tech journalist and software developer with over a decade of experience in digital innovation and cybersecurity.
