An individual who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
