An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime 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 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
