An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
