A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
