A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
