A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
