An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
