A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
