A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the police again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
