A man who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
