A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
