A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
