An individual who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
