A person who spiked candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
