A person who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
