A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
