A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
