A person who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police again.
She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
