An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
