A man who contaminated sweets with sedative and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
