Person pleads guilty to sex offences involving boys at summer camp
A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in Leicestershire has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the police a second time.
She stated the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
