Individual pleads guilty to sex offences against boys at summer program

A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.

The accused was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.

Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.

The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.

She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.

Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".

She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.

She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.

The legal representative continued: "This year his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.

"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."

The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.

She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.

"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.

The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.

The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities once more.

She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.