A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member called the police once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
