A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the man continued to play the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
