A person who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.