An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in Leicestershire has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities again.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
