An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
