A man who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
