A person who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
