An individual who contaminated candy with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
