A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said 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.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
