Man confesses to sexual crimes targeting young males at summer camp
An individual who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
