An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
