An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five minors.