A person who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
