A person who laced candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She said the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
