Individual admits sexual crimes against boys at summer program
A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member notified the police again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
