A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained 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 multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said the defendant then played the "candy game" in a space of five minors.