An individual who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
