A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the police once more.
She explained the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
