A person who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
