An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
