A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
