An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
