An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
