A person who laced treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.