Person pleads guilty to sexual offenses against boys at summer program

A man who spiked sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.

The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.

The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.

Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.

The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Candy game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the court.

She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.

The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.

She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.

"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."

The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.

She stated the man continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.

The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.

The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.

She said the man then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.