An individual who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to play the "candy game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
