An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "treat game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
