An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
