Man pleads guilty to sexual offenses involving boys at summer program
A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
