An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She said the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
