A man who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five children.
