An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member called the police once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
