An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
