A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson called the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five children.
