An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
