An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in July.
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.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
