A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
