A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the police about his suspicions.
She said the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the police once more.
She explained the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
