A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied 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 November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
