An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
