A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
