An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
