A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
