An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
